Flemming ordnance blunder?

Double-oh nine

The more I come across the often quoted Flemming line,in reference to the 32 caliber(7.65mm) cartridge,"the delivery of a brick through a plate glass window" I can't help thinking that he must have meant the post war,380 Walther PPK/S.Not to take anything away from Flemming mind you,it's a common mistake even among experienced pistolero's.The 380 cal(9mmKurz)round would certainly qualify as the brick through the old proverbial window.

s96024

7289

Ian Fleming cannot be blamed for that stupid remark about the brick/window. It appears only in the movie script of Dr. No, so one of the many scriptwriters involved in the production of that first Eon film are to blame.

What Fleming wrote - speaking as Major Boothroyd - regarding the caliber of the PPK was ... "It's a real stopping gun. Of course it's about a .32 calibre as opposed to the Beretta's .25, but I wouldn't recommend anything lighter. And you can get ammunition for the Walther anywhere in the world."

In reality neither the .25, the .32 or the .380 are known as reliable "stopping" rounds. Though modern post-Fleming loads have upgraded them alot.

The .38 Special loaded in the S&W Centennial Boothroyd also recommeded is the closest Bond gets to carrying a respectable caliber. Bond also keeps a .45 Colt in his car - but most of the time when he goes to use it - he gets in a wreck!!!

The brick/window line rates up there with Dirty Harry's .44 Magnum "It will blow your head clean off!" remark as classic cinematic overstatement. Make no mistake though, all these rounds are deadly and I would not want to stand in front of a good marksman at 15 feet a let him have at me with any of them, especially the .44 Magnum! But oo7 exists in the world of film/fiction, where anything is possible!!!

Also note: the name is Fleming not Flemming. I strongly encourage all Bond fans to pick up "Casino Royale" and start reading the Bond books - they are wonderful!!!!

Double-oh nine

I stand corrected and thank you for the 007 facts.I've only read Moonraker and Thunderball,over thirty years ago.My renewed Bond enthusiasm and recent membership here has been undoubtedly,heavy handed.Pardon my ignorance,I'll pick up the Casino Royale novel at first opportunity. As for that extra m in Fleming?...that's gonna' be hard to live down.