You state the Walther in .380 ACP, however in Dr. No, it is stated as 7.65 which is .32 ACP. My cousin was hired for his FFL on the set of Sean Connery's last official movie as 007, "Diamonds are Forever" in Las Vegas, NV. One of the requests he had was to keep one of the Walther's used in filming. I now own that pistol.
It was also a walther PP not PPK in Dr. NO. Even though they say it's a PPK in the film.. Furthermore in Dr. NO it was a PP chambered in 380. The beretta in the film is a M1934 in the novel it's a 418.
If you want to get the full James Bond experience with that pistol, take the grip panels off and wrap grip tape around it. Fleming always described the Beretta as having a 'skeleton grip'. In Diamonds Are Forever, he further mentioned that the gaps have been taped - probably to make it easier to hold and less grating on the hands. Supposedly, Fleming considered removing the grip panels necessary to make the pistol more concealable - as it it already wasn't concealable enough.
In "Dr. No" (1962) Bond is summoned to M's HQ while he is gambling at the Le Cercle casino. Bond reports to M and is briefed; then M orders him, "Take off your jacket. Give me your gun." M examines 007's pistol, calling it "this damned Beretta again." What M is holding is not a Model 418, but a .32-caliber Model 1935. Maj. Boothroyd comments that Bond's Beretta is "nice and light in a lady's handbag." However, the M1935 is 2.5 ounces heavier than the .32-caliber Walther PPK. M insists that Bond surrender his favorite weapon and carry the Walther instead. The PPK is the better sidearm in that it is marginally lighter and DA/SA, but that's no reason to force Bond to give up a gun he has confidence using for a new and perhaps unfamiliar weapon. Maj. Boothroyd re-equips 007 and says the PPK has a "delivery like a brick through a plateglass window", actually no different than the surrendered Beretta. In fact, EON Productions could not find a PPK for the film, and Bond is given a PP model instead. There were other firearm-related problems in "Dr. No". In his confrontation with Professor Dent, Bond is shown using a "silenced" FN 1910 rather than his assigned PPK. Dent tries to murder Bond with a "silenced" M1911, which Bond calls a Smith & Wesson. Evidently, the script called for Dent to use a revolver, but the props department made yet another mistake.
@@rodneyalaking8241 Another mistake there, Fleming. I've owned at least a half dozen 1934 Berettas (same design, larger and bigger caliber). Never had one jam, never heard of one jamming. They have their flaws, but jamming ain't one of them. Bond must have let it get VERY dirty! ;-)
@@davidkachel If you have read the novel, Bond almost lost his life because of the gun's silencer getting caught on his clothes. That was the reason Bond had to switch to the PPK. The real reason why Bond switched to the PPK was because of Boothroyd's input after reading the Fleming's novel. I'm talking about the real Boothroyd here. He said that the .25 cal Beretta lacks stopping power and is considered a lady's gun. He also said that the open slide design might get caught on clothes. Boothroyd recommended the .32 cal PPK for more stopping power or a revolver if Fleming didn't reject the idea of Bond having a revolver.
@@hoppinggnomethe4154 The gun nonsense that often appears in novels and other entertainment has little to do with reality. Silencers don't "get caught on clothes", and if they did, they all would. Th same is true for the open slide design Beretta loves so much.
I, too have a great affinity for mouse guns. I can remember back when if you wanted a little "always" gun, micro .380s were not around so that meant .25s or .22s, PPK and such were the next size up. I bought one of these several years ago for my 007 collection. While obviously old, it's apparently seldom been fired as the springs are still good and it runs great. It's a piece of art as well as a piece of history.
I absolutely love mouse guns. My grandpa handed me down his colt 1908 pocket hammerless in 25 acp a few years ago when he passed. He'd take me out and shoot water jugs with it when I was a little kid. I can't shoot it properly anymore because my fingers can barely fit in the trigger guard, I have large hands. If my grandpa was still alive today id be over a foot taller than him. Today it sits In my collection and will pass it down for generations to come.
@@weareallbeingwatched4602 Consider that, in reality, the Beretta 70 in .22 LR had been Israeli officers' choice for decades, used both by the Sky Marshals and as an assassination weapon by the Mossad. A pocket .25 ACP was a pretty good choice for a secret agent.
@@neutronalchemist3241 also, from an SOE perspective, using himmler's special Walther pistol is just not the thing to be doing. By the 1990s we have Bond driving a BMW.
The Walther PPK made a lot of sense in the late 50’s and early 60’s. It was meant to be a “clandestine” arm not merely concealable. A service-sized pistol is easy to hide casually, but very difficult to make disappear without leaving tell-tale clues security and counter-intelligence professionals couldn’t spot. The PPK’s use shouldn’t’t immediately suggest a particular nation, and German pistols had been distributed all over the world as both trophies and war reparations. Finding someone carrying a PPK would not immediately identify their nationality as would a Webley, Smith & Wesson, or Colt
The gun change actually happened in the Dr No novel. In the previous book, From Russia with Love, the Beretta gets jammed and Bond almost gets killed! He ends up spending months in a hospital recovering from his injuries and when the Dr No story happens, M forces him to trade his Beretta for the Walther PPK in 32ACP. Later in the movies (Brosnan era) he changes again for the Walther P99
It doesn't jam, the suppressor gets caught on the waistband of his pants (something Bond notes could have happened to any pistol) but M insists on the Walther anyway.
Yup, the P99 was in "Tomorrow Never Dies", but then Craig's 007 went back to the PPK. Bah. lol. The P99 was a nice switch; I recently had a chance to snag one of the last releases of that pistol and passed on it, like an idiot. I finally went to get it, and they were gone. Ended up getting a PDP (which is a good pistol, too). Anyway, as I understand it, the next Bond film will be going into production soon (or will be in the next couple of years?) with a new 007 obviously...wonder if they'll keep sticking with the PPK or finally upgrade him for good?
What great timing, I just bought James Bond's other gun the Walther PPK. I would eventually like to get the 418, but it being out of production makes it harder to get. I'm also currently reading through all 14 books, I'm on #12: You Only Live Twice.
The fan was Geoffrey Boothroyd, a noted firearms writer who convinced Fleming to replace the Beretta with the Walther. In Dr No, Major Geoffrey Boothroyd was the armorer, and that character eventually developed into "Q"
sootch00 makes some of the most enjoyable and quality videos, It's funny, but I find myself watching the same video over and over again through the years because the quality and nostalgia is so good, it makes the refresher course that much more enjoyable!
I was so happy that you did a video on James Bond's Beretta 418. I was hoping someone would. I was looking at the finish and I thought it was colour case hardening. Bond carries a 950 Jetfire in Licence to Kill, he was given it before he rushes into his hotel room and bowls Q over who's sitting in a chair. I've always loved and wanted a 1911 because it was Agent 47's gun in the Hitman series. I want the Commander because it balances in my hand perfectly and 9mm Luger for less recoil, cost, noise.
About 11 years ago I decided I wanted to add a 25acp to my collection. I wasn't particularly looking for any particular model. I hadn't seen any 25s for many years and figured I'd be lucky to find a Raven. About a month after I started looking, a friend at work told me about a new gun shop that had opened in the town between where I worked and where I lived. So the next time I worked days I went by this new shop and what did find in the display case but a little Beretta 25. They also had a custom Manlicher stocked 91 Mauser in .30 Argentine. Well for about $500 they both came home with me. The biggest shock came when the owner told me to wait just a minute then he went in the back and came out with a plastic trash bag and in the bag were 12 boxes of Norma and 1 box of Hornady ammunition for the 91. Over $300 worth of ammunition. Sometimes you just fall into a good deal. Since then I figure I've bought the owner of that little shop either a new truck or a really nice bass boat. Oh my little Beretta was made in1954 and is in very good condition. I keep it in an old Nylon case from a blood sugar tester, it fits like it was made for it.
We can see this Beretta also in the first Bond movie " Dr. No" with Sean Connery at the beginning, Bond was in the Office of "M" who said to him " this dammn Beretta again" and he order Bond to change his pistol for the Walther PPK, after Bond put it in his shoulder holster, he want to smuggle his beloved small Beretta out of Ms office in a small Box, but "M" said " leave it here 007 and he must gave it to him. I know in Flemings novels, who did not have anything to do with the movies with the same titles, Bond use always this Beretta, not one word of the Walther PPK. Thanks alot for uploading. Best regards from Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹
@@Sirgromulus Exactly, its Dr. No, i forgot to write that in my comment. I have all Bond movies, some of DVDs, some downloads, some still of the old VHS Tapes, but also them i changed it again DVDs, i still keep some VHS tapes, because of nostalgic memories 😊 I like this small Beretta pocket pistol, i wish i have it for my collection, i just have an old Beretta Cheeta model, it works still exzellent by combat shooting. Again greetings from Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹, Europe. Michael 👋
It was also a status symbol every true gentleman carried at least a .25 as well as a quality watch on his person usually next to his flask or cigarette case
I would really like to see you revive your "Why I own a gun" series. That's what got me watching your channel years ago and I always enjoyed those stories. There's got to be more stories you have since then, maybe stories that others have shared with you. Anyway, great channel as always.
Love when Sootch reviews James Bond's guns. James Bond is the reason I got a '67 PPK, and Die Hard/Lethal Weapon is the reason I got a Beretta 92FS. Movies just have the coolest weapons.
Inherited a Colt 1908 "Vest Pocket" which is very similar to the 418-- .25ACP and grip safety. Cleaned it up and found it fun. However, it recently started jamming. Inspired by the mention of a spring kit from Wolff, so paused video to order a kit for my Colt. Thanks for that.
Just ordered a set for mine too.Also get a set of .25acp snap caps,got mine from midway USA, as it will save your delicate firing pin while handling and showing your buddies.
I have several potent handguns, but purchased a High Standard .22 revolver a few years back. An R-106 with three inch barrel. I bought it used from a Turner’s Sporting Goods. A woman had sold it to them. Nine shot swing out cylinder. Yes, it is a rim fire, but it also can quickly bypass a dud round and still have eight rounds. I “bought it for my wife” for emergencies because it doesn’t intimidate with loud muzzle blast for a woman not keen on guns but will use one in an emergency.
I ponder why James was forced into a heavier caliber...we're talking about Bond, James Bond, and he could do anything...I saw it in the movies...he always drew the winning hand, won the pretty girl, had dead on accuracy with every weapon...as a secret agent non pareil .25 auto was plenty for him, with added benefit of being extremely concealable...
I've always had an affection for these little handguns. My Grandmother had a little baby Browning 25 in a cookie jar which I now own. My father owned a little Beretta 950 in 22LR before I was born and later purchased a 21A in 22LR shortly after they were introduced in 1984. I grew up shooting that 21A. When Beretta introduced the 21A with factory threaded barrel, I knew I had to have another one. These little pistols are just a lot of fun to shoot and plink with and always put a grin on the shooter's face.
Great video as is your usual! Thank you for this. I have the little bobcat and just love it. My Dad was a mouse gun lover and had one of those early beretta in .32 acp. Brownings , mausers, Astra, S&W, etc. Fun stuff. God bless all here.
Nerd factoid: Bond’s first gun, was his old .455 Service revolver, that he kept as a backup, in the glove compartment of his 1938, 3.5 litre drop-head coupe. 😉
Excellent review, as always Sootch. I got a Baby Browning, and also why I got into reloading. I paid 40 clams for a box of 25acp @ rk, a couple years ago, WHEN I could finally find it!
I used to have almost nothing but mouse guns. Loved 'em, and they were really cheap to collect. A certain very unpopular politician convinced me I needed something more serious, very soon. All the mouse guns went, and service weapons replaced them. The way things are going.... probably the right choice! Anyway, one day at the range with a bunch of friends, we were playing, "betcha can't hit...". I hit a small steel plate at 50 yards, with my .25 Baby Browning, first try. From then on, all my friends called it my "long range gun".
I had a Beretta 950 Jetfire .25acp years ago. Loved it, got it for a song used but in like new condition. Traded it in for a North America Arms mini revolver in .22 magnum. Years later I wish I'd never gotten rid of it!! Ive been a SERIOUS Bond fan since i saw Goldfinger when it came out and was always facinated with the guns and gadgets!! I have a small collection of Bond gadgets, some that are actual spy agency items that werent used in Bond movies but still actual secret service items. I do have the iconic miniature German made Minox "B" camera used in virtually all the Bond movies with removable measuring chain, leather case, flashbulb flash unit with leather case, a digital color multi-function wrist watch camera by Casio. He had one but was made by Seiko, looks exactly same. Also bought the infamous Henry take-down survival rifle with scope which was first used in From Russia With Love, twice. First time was sniping the agent climbing out of the window of the bldg. Then again when he shot the guy in the helicopter who dropped the grenade and blew the helicopter up. Then was used again in Goldfinger by Tilly Masterson who was trying to take out Auric Goldfinger at the mountain pass. It was shown a 3rd time in, On Her Majesties Secret Service starring George Lazenby, a one time Bond part for George who was a Sean Connery lookalike and a Great movie! I purchased an early 70s Bauer .25acp a year ago on mint condition which is about the same size as the .25acp Beretta which was Bond's first gun. Its actually shorter by half inch on length and height. Always wanted one and will have to fill in as his .25acp Beretta till i can at least find another 950 Jetfire at a descent price. LONG LIVE BOND and all his memories! I have all his movies mean time to relive the excitement! With exception of Daniel Craig who Stunk! He didnt have what it took to continue the legacy!! Too much a twirp and all stunts and special effects were Cheesy and looked like a cheap crappy video game!!
Found the predecessor to this firearm,a model 1919 type II from 1923 or 1924 from what i can tell.Looks as nice as this one with really cool original stamped metal grips.Gonna add it to my .25 collection this weekend.Colt 1908 (1925),beretta 950B (1964),Astra cub (1967),beretta model 20 (1984).
I had good luck on a Beretta at a gun show as well a few years ago. Picked up a Beretta 21a in .25 ACP with wood grips in perfect condition for $250. I share your yen for mouse guns. I have 5 Berettas and a number of others, including Colt, Seecamp, Astra and Jennings models. They are fun to shoot because they are difficult to shoot.
in the Books, He really hated the Beretta Model 418, but when he got issued the Walther PPK, M said that for now on he would carry that as his Primary Sidearm.
I really enjoyed the video. I too have a model 418 and like you I’m a James Bond fan, I collect first edition of Ian Flemings books, they’re more costly than the handgun. You know what would have been a nice touch would have been to show the gun with a From Russia with Love novel, even an older paperback. There is a market for them too. It’s good to know that Wolf’s Springs have replacements. The video was very informative. Thanks for doing it.
This is absolutely the weapon of choice for WW2 spooky types - standard gangster gun. The petition by some Walter Mitty character of "need a bigger gun" is not the reality - at close range an accurate shot with a small caliber pistol is very fatal - especially if you use the victim's head or body as a silencer. It is perfect for close range and concealed carry use. Military generals and officials would carry these berettas as a side arm during world war two, on most sides of the conflict.
I just inherited a Beretta 418.. in excellent condition.. thanks for the info on disassembly and I'm going to order some new springs for it I haven't shot it yet and I think I'm going to order the springs anyway..
" It's anemic and not really a carry gun but better than a sharp stick.." Care to stand in front of it while someone empties it and see how "anemic" it is ? Shot placement. It's a hell of alot easier to stay on target with a 25 or 32 for that matter, than a snappy micro 380. My Father was a butcher and many a beef creature was "retired" with his 32 Marlin and a sharp Forschner. In the right hands a 22/25/32 is a fine self defense weapon.
Mauser 1914 .32ACP? My grandma's nightstand pistol. Barrel was shot out and would not have stopped anyone other than scaring them for how loud it was. I did not keep it. Gave it to a brother in law of mine.
I won one on Proxibid a couple of months ago for $300 had to replace every spring in it. I was able to track down some magazines for the beretta 1919 the early model of the 418 and the mags are compatible. One of the best carrying and shooting hand guns I own but it doesn’t like fiocchi ammo PMC and PPU run well.
Nice find. Looks handsome. I've never seen one "in the flesh." I'm also a mousegun fan and I'm with you on the Jetfire. My 1964-make example is downright pretty and slick (like all the pre-'68 Italian versions, it lacks the safety lever, having been designed for "Condition-Two" carry.
Tip up barrel will fire even if you push the slide, unlike other automatic handgun where a half an inch movement of the slide will make the gun malfunction.
Interestingly enough, despite this, being James Bond’s gun, for the first five novels, in the films, James bond never uses this gun whatsoever. Even in the scene and Dr. know where he’s turning in his Beretta for the PPK come on the gun in the movie is a Beretta 1934. The Beretta model 418 has only appeared twice in the entire bond film series. Once in the film, adaptation of from Russia, with love in a blink, and you’ll miss it appearance. The second time in the opening credits of the living daylights.
The 25 ACP is more than anyone wants to get shot with. It was one of the most popular calibers for decades for a reason. It still remains in spite of the constant disparaging comments and poor quality manufacturing after laws banning their importation. Regardless, the old, well made, pistols that shoot that caliber, are very cool. Nice pistol.
@@mateodemus1431 Yeah, the ammo was discontinued by most manufacturers by the late 1930's, it's so obsolete here in Britain of all places you can get a old (pre 1939) .32 rimfire revolver mailed right to your house. There was also a .44 rimfire, short fat cartridges almost exclusively used in derringers. But like I say, just going by the sheer numbers that crop up on the antiques market over here they must have been incredibly popular from about 1870 to 1910. I remember there was an episode of Sherlock Holmes from the Jeremy Brett series where he pulls a 4 barrelled .32 derringer on Moriarty from his dressing gown pocket.
@@mateodemus1431 Well I seem to remember James Yeager, God rest him, saying all these guys want to give their wives a shotgun for home defense whereas he'd recommend a Smith and Wesson 15/22 with a red dot.
A magazine full of .25’s in the gut from close range, which is what it is meant for, will discourage most attackers ! Also this gun will not disturb the cut of a gentleman’s suit. This is a get-off-me gun only !
For some reason he carried it without the grips exposing the clip. Thanks for letting me know about the price. I have one and never considered it anything special.
The original handgun was the Beretta in 25 ACP but what people don’t know is that the Walther that they gave him in Dr No was chambered in 32 ACP not 380
The PPK is over Priced yes it's got a nice look to it but it's not worth the cost and it's not that pleasant to shoot I'd take the Beretta thanks schooch for the video
You state the Walther in .380 ACP, however in Dr. No, it is stated as 7.65 which is .32 ACP. My cousin was hired for his FFL on the set of Sean Connery's last official movie as 007, "Diamonds are Forever" in Las Vegas, NV. One of the requests he had was to keep one of the Walther's used in filming. I now own that pistol.
It was also a walther PP not PPK in Dr. NO. Even though they say it's a PPK in the film.. Furthermore in Dr. NO it was a PP chambered in 380.
The beretta in the film is a M1934 in the novel it's a 418.
When I first got my concealed permit in Texas I bought a Beretta tomcat in 32 ACP and I still like that little gun.
Very cool, I knew of the .32 from Jim Croce's song bad bad Leroy Brown. Do you still have/carry it?
How much cost
How much cost of this gun please tell me
If you want to get the full James Bond experience with that pistol, take the grip panels off and wrap grip tape around it. Fleming always described the Beretta as having a 'skeleton grip'. In Diamonds Are Forever, he further mentioned that the gaps have been taped - probably to make it easier to hold and less grating on the hands. Supposedly, Fleming considered removing the grip panels necessary to make the pistol more concealable - as it it already wasn't concealable enough.
My great aunt kept one of these in her nightstand for over five decades. Never fired it once...that we know of. It's been in my safe since she passed.
In "Dr. No" (1962) Bond is summoned to M's HQ while he is gambling at the Le Cercle casino. Bond reports to M and is briefed; then M orders him, "Take off your jacket. Give me your gun." M examines 007's pistol, calling it "this damned Beretta again." What M is holding is not a Model 418, but a .32-caliber Model 1935. Maj. Boothroyd comments that Bond's Beretta is "nice and light in a lady's handbag." However, the M1935 is 2.5 ounces heavier than the .32-caliber Walther PPK. M insists that Bond surrender his favorite weapon and carry the Walther instead. The PPK is the better sidearm in that it is marginally lighter and DA/SA, but that's no reason to force Bond to give up a gun he has confidence using for a new and perhaps unfamiliar weapon. Maj. Boothroyd re-equips 007 and says the PPK has a "delivery like a brick through a plateglass window", actually no different than the surrendered Beretta. In fact, EON Productions could not find a PPK for the film, and Bond is given a PP model instead. There were other firearm-related problems in "Dr. No". In his confrontation with Professor Dent, Bond is shown using a "silenced" FN 1910 rather than his assigned PPK. Dent tries to murder Bond with a "silenced" M1911, which Bond calls a Smith & Wesson. Evidently, the script called for Dent to use a revolver, but the props department made yet another mistake.
Excellent answer. I noticed the 1910 too. Still, at least it was not the LP53 air pistol. You know your guns, Mr. Bond.......
To bad 25acp and even 32acp are getting so hard to find and terribly expensive. These little guns are so darn cool
I've carried the Beretta for ten years, and I've never missed with it. : James Bond
@@rodneyalaking8241 you carry a 00 status means you're license to kill, not get killed
@@rodneyalaking8241 Hahaha, yeah!
@@rodneyalaking8241 Another mistake there, Fleming. I've owned at least a half dozen 1934 Berettas (same design, larger and bigger caliber). Never had one jam, never heard of one jamming. They have their flaws, but jamming ain't one of them. Bond must have let it get VERY dirty! ;-)
@@davidkachel If you have read the novel, Bond almost lost his life because of the gun's silencer getting caught on his clothes. That was the reason Bond had to switch to the PPK. The real reason why Bond switched to the PPK was because of Boothroyd's input after reading the Fleming's novel. I'm talking about the real Boothroyd here. He said that the .25 cal Beretta lacks stopping power and is considered a lady's gun. He also said that the open slide design might get caught on clothes. Boothroyd recommended the .32 cal PPK for more stopping power or a revolver if Fleming didn't reject the idea of Bond having a revolver.
@@hoppinggnomethe4154 The gun nonsense that often appears in novels and other entertainment has little to do with reality. Silencers don't "get caught on clothes", and if they did, they all would. Th same is true for the open slide design Beretta loves so much.
My dad bought one in Italy when he was stationed in the Navy in the 1950’s. My son has it now. Very well made.
You could buy a gun in Italy as a foreigner?
@@coreturkoane5570in that area and time I'm sure, Italy made a ton of pocket pistols throughout the 20th century
I, too have a great affinity for mouse guns. I can remember back when if you wanted a little "always" gun, micro .380s were not around so that meant .25s or .22s, PPK and such were the next size up.
I bought one of these several years ago for my 007 collection. While obviously old, it's apparently seldom been fired as the springs are still good and it runs great. It's a piece of art as well as a piece of history.
Don't forget, in Dr. No I believe it was, M made him turn in "that damned Beretta" because it malfunctioned and almost got him killed...
Yeah it jammed and he got stabbed with a poison shoe
He also used a hammerless .38 in the novel Doctor No.
I absolutely love mouse guns. My grandpa handed me down his colt 1908 pocket hammerless in 25 acp a few years ago when he passed. He'd take me out and shoot water jugs with it when I was a little kid. I can't shoot it properly anymore because my fingers can barely fit in the trigger guard, I have large hands. If my grandpa was still alive today id be over a foot taller than him. Today it sits In my collection and will pass it down for generations to come.
Lucky. My shithead uncle sold all my grandfather's guns I'm mad because I wanted to pass them down too
Ian Fleming equipped Bond with the “.25 Beretta” because Fleming himself carried one during WWII when he worked as an intelligence officer.
Then a gun expert suggested that this doesn't suit Bond
@@hoppinggnomethe4154 the gun expert wanted bond to carry a .44 long barrel revolver so he could "reach out". No kidding. Ridiculous.
@@weareallbeingwatched4602 Consider that, in reality, the Beretta 70 in .22 LR had been Israeli officers' choice for decades, used both by the Sky Marshals and as an assassination weapon by the Mossad. A pocket .25 ACP was a pretty good choice for a secret agent.
@@neutronalchemist3241 also, from an SOE perspective, using himmler's special Walther pistol is just not the thing to be doing. By the 1990s we have Bond driving a BMW.
The Walther PPK made a lot of sense in the late 50’s and early 60’s. It was meant to be a “clandestine” arm not merely concealable. A service-sized pistol is easy to hide casually, but very difficult to make disappear without leaving tell-tale clues security and counter-intelligence professionals couldn’t spot. The PPK’s use shouldn’t’t immediately suggest a particular nation, and German pistols had been distributed all over the world as both trophies and war reparations. Finding someone carrying a PPK would not immediately identify their nationality as would a Webley, Smith & Wesson, or Colt
The gun change actually happened in the Dr No novel. In the previous book, From Russia with Love, the Beretta gets jammed and Bond almost gets killed!
He ends up spending months in a hospital recovering from his injuries and when the Dr No story happens, M forces him to trade his Beretta for the Walther PPK in 32ACP. Later in the movies (Brosnan era) he changes again for the Walther P99
I just finished it, brilliant book.
It doesn't jam, the suppressor gets caught on the waistband of his pants (something Bond notes could have happened to any pistol) but M insists on the Walther anyway.
@@FoxtrotFleet thanks for the correction
Yup, the P99 was in "Tomorrow Never Dies", but then Craig's 007 went back to the PPK. Bah. lol. The P99 was a nice switch; I recently had a chance to snag one of the last releases of that pistol and passed on it, like an idiot. I finally went to get it, and they were gone. Ended up getting a PDP (which is a good pistol, too). Anyway, as I understand it, the next Bond film will be going into production soon (or will be in the next couple of years?) with a new 007 obviously...wonder if they'll keep sticking with the PPK or finally upgrade him for good?
I absolutely love these historical reviews and the facts behind the weapons..thank you so much for this!
What a cool little pistol. Was intrigued with some of the design features. Thanks for sharing.
What great timing, I just bought James Bond's other gun the Walther PPK. I would eventually like to get the 418, but it being out of production makes it harder to get.
I'm also currently reading through all 14 books, I'm on #12: You Only Live Twice.
Enjoy and get the True Temper of the Character!
I drive a lot for work, been downloading the audiobooks, superb.
The fan was Geoffrey Boothroyd, a noted firearms writer who convinced Fleming to replace the Beretta with the Walther. In Dr No, Major Geoffrey Boothroyd was the armorer, and that character eventually developed into "Q"
Very cool, thanks for that, I always wondered who wrote to Ian Flemming about the change, and I was always intrigued regarding Q's origin/inspiration.
Boothroyd also pushed for Bond to be armed with the S&W Centennial .38 SPL.
sootch00 makes some of the most enjoyable and quality videos, It's funny, but I find myself watching the same video over and over again through the years because the quality and nostalgia is so good, it makes the refresher course that much more enjoyable!
Such a beautiful, simplistic piece.
I was so happy that you did a video on James Bond's Beretta 418. I was hoping someone would. I was looking at the finish and I thought it was colour case hardening.
Bond carries a 950 Jetfire in Licence to Kill, he was given it before he rushes into his hotel room and bowls Q over who's sitting in a chair.
I've always loved and wanted a 1911 because it was Agent 47's gun in the Hitman series. I want the Commander because it balances in my hand perfectly and 9mm Luger for less recoil, cost, noise.
Not just any 1911s for 47 Amt hardballers specifically it's a shame they are hard to find these days
@@GrosvnerMcaffrey You're right and right, but for availability I'd be happy with any reasonably priced 1911 and it still feels Hitman special for me.
About 11 years ago I decided I wanted to add a 25acp to my collection. I wasn't particularly looking for any particular model. I hadn't seen any 25s for many years and figured I'd be lucky to find a Raven. About a month after I started looking, a friend at work told me about a new gun shop that had opened in the town between where I worked and where I lived. So the next time I worked days I went by this new shop and what did find in the display case but a little Beretta 25. They also had a custom Manlicher stocked 91 Mauser in .30 Argentine. Well for about $500 they both came home with me. The biggest shock came when the owner told me to wait just a minute then he went in the back and came out with a plastic trash bag and in the bag were 12 boxes of Norma and 1 box of Hornady ammunition for the 91. Over $300 worth of ammunition. Sometimes you just fall into a good deal. Since then I figure I've bought the owner of that little shop either a new truck or a really nice bass boat. Oh my little Beretta was made in1954 and is in very good condition. I keep it in an old Nylon case from a blood sugar tester, it fits like it was made for it.
We can see this Beretta also in the first Bond movie " Dr. No" with Sean Connery at the beginning, Bond was in the Office of "M" who said to him " this dammn Beretta again" and he order Bond to change his pistol for the Walther PPK, after Bond put it in his shoulder holster, he want to smuggle his beloved small Beretta out of Ms office in a small Box, but "M" said " leave it here 007 and he must gave it to him. I know in Flemings novels, who did not have anything to do with the movies with the same titles, Bond use always this Beretta, not one word of the Walther PPK.
Thanks alot for uploading.
Best regards from Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹
This scene, as you point out, occurred in "Dr. No", the first movie...not "From Russia With Love" as Sootch mistakenly states.
@@Sirgromulus Exactly, its Dr. No, i forgot to write that in my comment. I have all Bond movies, some of DVDs, some downloads, some still of the old VHS Tapes, but also them i changed it again DVDs, i still keep some VHS tapes, because of nostalgic memories 😊
I like this small Beretta pocket pistol, i wish i have it for my collection, i just have an old Beretta Cheeta model, it works still exzellent by combat shooting.
Again greetings from Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹, Europe.
Michael 👋
I had a jetfire back in the 70's. Loved it. Interesting review.
Your reviews on these old classic firearms are my favorites. I'd like to see many more of this type. Thank you.
It was also a status symbol every true gentleman carried at least a .25 as well as a quality watch on his person usually next to his flask or cigarette case
I would really like to see you revive your "Why I own a gun" series.
That's what got me watching your channel years ago and I always enjoyed those stories.
There's got to be more stories you have since then, maybe stories that others have shared with you.
Anyway, great channel as always.
Love when Sootch reviews James Bond's guns. James Bond is the reason I got a '67 PPK, and Die Hard/Lethal Weapon is the reason I got a Beretta 92FS. Movies just have the coolest weapons.
Yes, they do, the Hitman game series is why I want a 1911.
@@bobhill3941 It was an AMT Hardballer variant if I remember correctly.
@@WH250398 Yes it was. It was the first 1911 made from stainless steel and other companies are making 1911s from stainless.
Just got a 21a in .25acp. I LOVEEEEE IT. Traded the 21a in .22lr away.
Actually, these little .25ACP guns were often called "mouse guns". Colt had one introduced in about 1909.
Inherited a Colt 1908 "Vest Pocket" which is very similar to the 418-- .25ACP and grip safety. Cleaned it up and found it fun. However, it recently started jamming. Inspired by the mention of a spring kit from Wolff, so paused video to order a kit for my Colt. Thanks for that.
Just ordered a set for mine too.Also get a set of .25acp snap caps,got mine from midway USA, as it will save your delicate firing pin while handling and showing your buddies.
FN1906 made in old continent .. Colt brand in 🇺🇸🤩
I have several potent handguns, but purchased a High Standard .22 revolver a few years back. An R-106 with three inch barrel. I bought it used from a Turner’s Sporting Goods. A woman had sold it to them. Nine shot swing out cylinder. Yes, it is a rim fire, but it also can quickly bypass a dud round and still have eight rounds. I “bought it for my wife” for emergencies because it doesn’t intimidate with loud muzzle blast for a woman not keen on guns but will use one in an emergency.
I ponder why James was forced into a heavier caliber...we're talking about Bond, James Bond, and he could do anything...I saw it in the movies...he always drew the winning hand, won the pretty girl, had dead on accuracy with every weapon...as a secret agent non pareil .25 auto was plenty for him, with added benefit of being extremely concealable...
I've always had an affection for these little handguns. My Grandmother had a little baby Browning 25 in a cookie jar which I now own. My father owned a little Beretta 950 in 22LR before I was born and later purchased a 21A in 22LR shortly after they were introduced in 1984. I grew up shooting that 21A. When Beretta introduced the 21A with factory threaded barrel, I knew I had to have another one. These little pistols are just a lot of fun to shoot and plink with and always put a grin on the shooter's face.
Great video as is your usual! Thank you for this. I have the little bobcat and just love it.
My Dad was a mouse gun lover and had one of those early beretta in .32 acp. Brownings , mausers, Astra, S&W, etc. Fun stuff.
God bless all here.
Guns like this keep me coming back to this channel
Nerd factoid: Bond’s first gun, was his old .455 Service revolver, that he kept as a backup, in the glove compartment of his 1938, 3.5 litre drop-head coupe. 😉
I really like my Beretta Pico, in 380 ACP. Thanks for the share!!
Excellent review, as always Sootch. I got a Baby Browning, and also why I got into reloading. I paid 40 clams for a box of 25acp @ rk, a couple years ago, WHEN I could finally find it!
I used to have almost nothing but mouse guns. Loved 'em, and they were really cheap to collect. A certain very unpopular politician convinced me I needed something more serious, very soon. All the mouse guns went, and service weapons replaced them. The way things are going.... probably the right choice! Anyway, one day at the range with a bunch of friends, we were playing, "betcha can't hit...". I hit a small steel plate at 50 yards, with my .25 Baby Browning, first try. From then on, all my friends called it my "long range gun".
I had a Beretta 950 Jetfire .25acp years ago. Loved it, got it for a song used but in like new condition. Traded it in for a North America Arms mini revolver in .22 magnum. Years later I wish I'd never gotten rid of it!! Ive been a SERIOUS Bond fan since i saw Goldfinger when it came out and was always facinated with the guns and gadgets!! I have a small collection of Bond gadgets, some that are actual spy agency items that werent used in Bond movies but still actual secret service items.
I do have the iconic miniature German made Minox "B" camera used in virtually all the Bond movies with removable measuring chain, leather case, flashbulb flash unit with leather case, a digital color multi-function wrist watch camera by Casio. He had one but was made by Seiko, looks exactly same. Also bought the infamous Henry take-down survival rifle with scope which was first used in From Russia With Love, twice. First time was sniping the agent climbing out of the window of the bldg. Then again when he shot the guy in the helicopter who dropped the grenade and blew the helicopter up.
Then was used again in Goldfinger by Tilly Masterson who was trying to take out Auric Goldfinger at the mountain pass. It was shown a 3rd time in, On Her Majesties Secret Service starring George Lazenby, a one time Bond part for George who was a Sean Connery lookalike and a Great movie! I purchased an early 70s Bauer .25acp a year ago on mint condition which is about the same size as the .25acp Beretta which was Bond's first gun. Its actually shorter by half inch on length and height. Always wanted one and will have to fill in as his .25acp Beretta till i can at least find another 950 Jetfire at a descent price. LONG LIVE BOND and all his memories! I have all his movies mean time to relive the excitement! With exception of Daniel Craig who Stunk! He didnt have what it took to continue the legacy!! Too much a twirp and all stunts and special effects were Cheesy and looked like a cheap crappy video game!!
Found the predecessor to this firearm,a model 1919 type II from 1923 or 1924 from what i can tell.Looks as nice as this one with really cool original stamped metal grips.Gonna add it to my .25 collection this weekend.Colt 1908 (1925),beretta 950B (1964),Astra cub (1967),beretta model 20 (1984).
Beretta made some fine little pistols. I was hooked on them after getting my 21A 22lr years ago. Now I am going to have to hunt one of these.
Your videos are by far the best! Loved this one too.
the 418 showed how Bond used his brain over firepower to win the fight, and his gun was the last resort.
I had good luck on a Beretta at a gun show as well a few years ago. Picked up a Beretta 21a in .25 ACP with wood grips in perfect condition for $250. I share your yen for mouse guns. I have 5 Berettas and a number of others, including Colt, Seecamp, Astra and Jennings models. They are fun to shoot because they are difficult to shoot.
Five 418s on Gunbroker right now. Expect to pay at least $700
nice history lesson and appreciate the demo!
in the Books, He really hated the Beretta Model 418, but when he got issued the Walther PPK, M said that for now on he would carry that as his Primary Sidearm.
I really enjoyed the video. I too have a model 418 and like you I’m a James Bond fan, I collect first edition of Ian Flemings books, they’re more costly than the handgun. You know what would have been a nice touch would have been to show the gun with a From Russia with Love novel, even an older paperback. There is a market for them too. It’s good to know that Wolf’s Springs have replacements. The video was very informative. Thanks for doing it.
Great video, Mr. Don! Those mouse guns are very fascinating.
I once had a PPK. I thought it was one of the most beautiful guns I ever owned, However, it was miserable to shoot. I sold it gladly.
This is absolutely the weapon of choice for WW2 spooky types - standard gangster gun.
The petition by some Walter Mitty character of "need a bigger gun" is not the reality - at close range an accurate shot with a small caliber pistol is very fatal - especially if you use the victim's head or body as a silencer. It is perfect for close range and concealed carry use. Military generals and officials would carry these berettas as a side arm during world war two, on most sides of the conflict.
I found a Beretta model 418 at a gun show here in Tennessee four years ago I got a good price on it and I love it
I just inherited a Beretta 418.. in excellent condition.. thanks for the info on disassembly and I'm going to order some new springs for it I haven't shot it yet and I think I'm going to order the springs anyway..
Carried the Beretta 21 replace it with the Tomcat....both very concealable and reliable....always in the pocket.....
" It's anemic and not really a carry gun but better than a sharp stick.." Care to stand in front of it while someone empties it and see how "anemic" it is ? Shot placement. It's a hell of alot easier to stay on target with a 25 or 32 for that matter, than a snappy micro 380. My Father was a butcher and many a beef creature was "retired" with his 32 Marlin and a sharp Forschner. In the right hands a 22/25/32 is a fine self defense weapon.
Mauser 1914 .32ACP? My grandma's nightstand pistol. Barrel was shot out and would not have stopped anyone other than scaring them for how loud it was. I did not keep it. Gave it to a brother in law of mine.
I won one on Proxibid a couple of months ago for $300 had to replace every spring in it. I was able to track down some magazines for the beretta 1919 the early model of the 418 and the mags are compatible. One of the best carrying and shooting hand guns I own but it doesn’t like fiocchi ammo PMC and PPU run well.
You always have a good show. Thanks
Have the Taurus PT-25 ,very simular w/ the tip up ..Love shootin it but the cost per round is a bummer
Had a .25 jetfire. Great pistol
Nice find. Looks handsome. I've never seen one "in the flesh."
I'm also a mousegun fan and I'm with you on the Jetfire. My 1964-make example is downright pretty and slick (like all the pre-'68 Italian versions, it lacks the safety lever, having been designed for "Condition-Two" carry.
Great review! Thank you very much!
Tip up barrel will fire even if you push the slide, unlike other automatic handgun where a half an inch movement of the slide will make the gun malfunction.
Interestingly enough, despite this, being James Bond’s gun, for the first five novels, in the films, James bond never uses this gun whatsoever. Even in the scene and Dr. know where he’s turning in his Beretta for the PPK come on the gun in the movie is a Beretta 1934. The Beretta model 418 has only appeared twice in the entire bond film series. Once in the film, adaptation of from Russia, with love in a blink, and you’ll miss it appearance. The second time in the opening credits of the living daylights.
Something tells me you’re a bit of a James Bond fan?
The use of the Beretta 1934 in that movie turned to be quite ridiculous, since he turned in a .380 ACP gun for a "more powerful" .32 ACP one.
Great video Sooch, enjoyed it, I’d love to have one of those little 418’s
The 25 ACP is more than anyone wants to get shot with. It was one of the most popular calibers for decades for a reason. It still remains in spite of the constant disparaging comments and poor quality manufacturing after laws banning their importation. Regardless, the old, well made, pistols that shoot that caliber, are very cool. Nice pistol.
That grip safety is wild
Talking of anemic guns, it always amazed me how popular .32 rimfire revolvers seem to have been, judging by how many come up on the antiques market. 🤔
I never heard a 32 rimfire my whole life
Israeli commando uses model 51 in 22 LR and it was perfectly fitted the assault...
@@mateodemus1431 Yeah, the ammo was discontinued by most manufacturers by the late 1930's, it's so obsolete here in Britain of all places you can get a old (pre 1939) .32 rimfire revolver mailed right to your house.
There was also a .44 rimfire, short fat cartridges almost exclusively used in derringers.
But like I say, just going by the sheer numbers that crop up on the antiques market over here they must have been incredibly popular from about 1870 to 1910.
I remember there was an episode of Sherlock Holmes from the Jeremy Brett series where he pulls a 4 barrelled .32 derringer on Moriarty from his dressing gown pocket.
@@mateodemus1431 Well I seem to remember James Yeager, God rest him, saying all these guys want to give their wives a shotgun for home defense whereas he'd recommend a Smith and Wesson 15/22 with a red dot.
Bingo. Now you got it right. But Bond also carried an ASP, as well as also a Walther P5.
The barrel and recoil spring disassembly process is just the same as the one for the 34/35 models.
Say what you want with all these micro carries. THIS is the best concealed carry 😄
I prefer my Deagle when I walk my beagle but that’s just me.
A magazine full of .25’s in the gut from close range, which is what it is meant for, will discourage most attackers ! Also this gun will not disturb the cut of a gentleman’s suit.
This is a get-off-me gun only !
I love little guns Thanks for the video
For some reason he carried it without the grips exposing the clip. Thanks for letting me know about the price. I have one and never considered it anything special.
“Ha! Nice try, Mr. Bond, but I’m wearing a thick sweater!”
Awesome gun 25 acp thanks for sharing sootch00
Man these little mouse guns looks so fun.
18:54 The film was Dr. No not FRWL
And the boss was M (Bernard Lee)
Nice lil gun
I'll never forget DR. NO and the blue spandex holster with the Barretta he carried, also Jack Lord as Felix Lighter and those silly sunglasses!
Great looking little pistol, fun.😁
The original handgun was the Beretta in 25 ACP but what people don’t know is that the Walther that they gave him in Dr No was chambered in 32 ACP not 380
Bond's PPK was in .32. He carried his 418 with a "silencer" attached.
Bond turned in a Beretta M1934 in DR. NO.
I believe my mother had one from 1955. it appeared to be stainless. Unfortunately my older brother "lost" it.
Pretty slick find👍
I Blame you Sootch for my crippling GB addiction!!!
The Beretta is history. Born in 1526 Gardone Val Trompia 🇮🇹
You can still buy a 21A Bobcat in .25 Auto from Beretta
Great video!
Really very nice >>>>>>> Thank you .
Beautiful pistol.
I got an FIE Titan 25 ACP that I love.
Awesome video
I keep hoping KelTec will put out a small 25ACP.
I am looking to purchasing this gun!
Awesome 💯 👌 pistol!!
as a matter of fact, it's Beretta 34 to be known as the first Bond's gun
Movie History. Fun stuff.
Just as a side note: Was it a book? Or PPK's box, if I remember right...?
The PPK is over Priced yes it's got a nice look to it but it's not worth the cost and it's not that pleasant to shoot I'd take the Beretta thanks schooch for the video
Yea a PPK or a beretta Cheetah im going with the cheetah