A.S.P.: The Stuff Legends Are Made Of

Fans of the James Bond novels will recognize the A.S.P. 9mm as the handgun of choice in the John Gardner adventures of the 1980s and 90s. First introduced in the 1984 novel, Role Of Honour, the A.S.P. became a mainstay in the Gardner era, appearing in nearly all of the following novels, up to, and including COLD in 1996. Gardner introduces the handgun in chapter 10 of Role Of Honour, writing: ‘The A.S.P. 9mm is a small, very lethal weapon. Essentially a scaled-down version of the Smith & Wesson Model 39, the ASP has been in use with United States Intelligence agencies for more than a decade.’ With that, CBn presents:

A.S.P.
The Stuff Legends Are Made Of

Written by Lawrence Keller

Cloak and dagger mysteries have always been a favorite among gun enthusiasts, because of the weapons both real and imagined that the characters use and develop. Today, the general public mostly hears about Glocks, the Walther P99 and the small 45 and 9MM compact pistols. The innovation and development of these pistols had to comefrom somewhere, but where exactly? In my opinion, the person who has been the most innovative in developing such improvements is Paris Theodore. Seldom does the author of these cloak and dagger stories cover the true origins of the weapons used in these books.

We first examine the Model 39-2 Smith and Wesson double action nine millimeter pistol. This pistol has been altered over 280 ways to be used as a true combat pistol. Over the years, other manufacturers have tried to copy the design, but the true essence was lost as a result.

When choosing a combat pistol, the buyer should consider several things. First, do you as the buyer want an offensive weapon or one primarily for defensive purposes? The pistol is mainly a defensive tool. There are various weapons such as the shotgun, rifle, and submachine gun, which are superior for more offensive purposes that may be desired among some potential buyers. Negative attributes include the limited range and power as well as the fact that it is the most difficult firearm to learn to use correctly. The primary advantage of the pistol is its size, (fully loaded, the A.S.P. weighs 24 ounces), lightness, portability, and general flatness. Since it is easier to carry, it is always at hand and available to defensive use, should the need arise.

There are five basic design requirements of any combat weapon which I’ve listed below:

Reliability – This depends on the throat of the barrel. Fitting the barrel to the frame, fitting of the magazines to the frame, balance of the spring system, design of the extractor and the precision of the workmanship of the pistol all come into play here. Both the finish and the weapon itself must withstand the rough handling that will result from combat encounters. Ancillary to these requirements is the feel of the trigger; it should have a crisp, clean pull and highly visible sights.

Stopping Power – This requirement is dependent upon the efficiency potential of the cartridge (the 9mm is one of the world’s most efficient), the specific projectile and the placement of the projectile on target by the user (center mass hits).

Controllability – Balance, stability, ease of handling and fit in the hand are all components of controllability. Design characteristics such as the forefinger pocket, magazine extension and contoured grips which reduce apparent recoil and aid recovery time to target are things to consider.

Wearability – Comfort, concealment and ease of access must be properly balanced. The weapon should have no projections or sharp edges to wear the lining of clothing or cut the hand during either presentation or clearance. Weight, compactness, safety and the readiness condition of the pistol are other important factors to consider. The A.S.P. is either a condition two or three pistol. Condition two means there is a cartridge in the chamber (hammer up) while the opposite is true for condition three.

Fire Power – To the connoisseur, magazine capacity is not synonymous with fire power, which is a function of relative incapacitation, controllability and the reloading potential of a design. Double column magazine designs are most appropriate as military pistols–or police weapons–but not as a concealed weapon. If you are considering wearing the A.S.P. under a business suit, then it is recommended that you buy a suit that does not form fit depending on your build of your torso.

In order for the A.S.P. to give the kick one would receive with a .22 caliber pistol, hand position is key. Based on its design, you would place the left index finger in the forefinger pocket up to the second knuckle. At the same time, place the inside ridge of the knuckle on the left thumb near the slide stop. The right thumb rests over the rear of the left thumb, pulling toward the opposite hand. When employed properly in conjunction with a magazine extension, apparent recoil will decrease by at least 50%, becoming little more than a gentle undulating motion with each shot fired.

The pistol with the extension is especially useful during rapid fire mode. The leading edge of the magazine extension described is approximately the size of an average man’s little finger. This allows for a more complete grasp of the pistol and thereby assists the user in controlling recoil and decreasing recovery time between shots. A tight grip on the magazine extension will greatly reduce muzzle climb.

The A.S.P. was designed for speed on target from a concealed position under the clothing of the user. The smooth Lexan grips forestall hasty commitment to a clumsy grip or trigger position. The pistol is designed in such a way that a panic grip will position the A.S.P. properly in your hand.

Ergometrics – there is no need for a mid-draw repositioning of the hand to grip or a change in position of the index finger to trigger relation. The user merely needs to grip the weapon tightly to align the forearm to the barrel. Checkering the grips, stippling the front strap, or grooving the trigger would detract from the trust of this philosophy.

When under stress, you don’t count the rounds when firing and while in practice, the FBI trains their people to throw away the magazine when in doubt. With the A.S.P. grips, you can see how many rounds you have left–effectively eliminating the guessing game. The design features of the A.S.P. include slide cuts that are computer calculated to reduce the weight of the pistol and redistribute the balance of the slide. This helps during recoil so that the slide mass is directly over the center of the hand to improve controllability.

The A.S.P. also has a spurless hammer to prevent snagging on clothing during presentation. The manufacturer has reduced the butt, slide, slide stop safety and tongue in order to increase the ability to conceal and also to improve handling characteristics. This pistol also sports a throated and fit barrel with polished fed ramp for flawless firing, specially wound springs for improved reliability and a custom barrel and recoil bushings for ease of disassembly. Furthemore, it also features right and left hand trigger guard relief for use with gloved hands as well as a beveled magazine which is beneficial in terms of reloading. Last, but not least, the A.S.P. sports a Teflon-S coating for corrosion resistance, low glare and a non-reflecting surface. This also results in increased durability, self lubrication, nonstick properties in extreme cold, low general maintenance, rapid cleaning and closer tolerances. What else could you expect from a pistol?

Let’s now talk about how well this pistol is to carry and conceal. I’ve personally carried this pistol for roughly 20 years. I additionally carried the Heckler and Koch P-7 M8 for about six years–another fine pistol, but the key point is that alot of the latter’s characteristics came from the A.S.P.

Ken Null Holsters. Ltd. now designs several holsters that were allow for easy concealment under one’s clothing–my favourite being the SMZ. This is an inverted shoulder holster made of plastic and is skeletal in design. The pistol hides under the armpit in such a manner that it contours to the frame of one’s body. I wore this rig to a special event in Washington D.C. (yes I know, my permit is not valid in DC, but, it being the high crime area it is, I put the protection of my wife and myself first). This took place in 1997 at an inaugural party where I was within hugging distance of Vice President Al Gore. While the secret service never spotted or felt the holster, with security as it stands today, I wouldn’t try this stunt now.

Getting back to 007, one really has to wonder why he would carry anything else. The PPK is old hat and really does not have the stopping power as indicated in the novels or films. Bond wouldn’t carry the P-99 either because of the bulky size–leading to concealment issues when on a mission.

So I leave you with the one true weapon for a spy that would serve him the most: the one and only A.S.P.

James Bond's Choice: The Omega Seamaster

Written by CBn Member: urhash
To discuss this article visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

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The association between James Bond and the Omega watches began with GoldenEye when Lindy Hemming, the costume designer chose not to equip Bond with the customary Rolex that we had seen so many times before with Connery, Lazenby, and Moore. Hemming thought that the Rolex had become a bit common in the marketplace and was not as distinct and unique as it had been back in the 60’s. She felt the Omega gave Bond a more ‘Euro’ look, matching his needs as a sophisticated British gentleman.

James Bond wears the Omega Seamaster Pro beginning in GoldenEye up until Die Another Day (this includes: Tomorrow Never Dies & The World Is Not Enough). In the first movie he wore the quartz model (# 2541.80) and from thereafter the automatic (# 2531.80), which is approximately $400 more expensive. There are only subtle minor differences between these two, and if cost is an issue stick with the quartz movement, which totals $1300. You do not need to have it oiled every few years and in the event that it is damaged a few years down the line, you are not likely to still be under Omega’s one year warranty and the cost of repairing the delicate pieces inside will be at your expense.

Omega does not sell their watches online, although there are still many e-retailers that do this nonetheless. This allows them to discount at greater than the 15% allotted by Omega. If you choose to purchase online, read the fine text carefully and try to avoid places that laser or buff out the serial # located on the back of the watch. While you would not be covered under the Omega warranty anyways, an Omega-certified repair center may choose not to service your watch if they spot that it is from the gray market.

The potential consumer should also be knowledgeable about the “Helium Relief Valve”. If you’ve ever seen the Seamaster watch, you know there is a small knob to the left of 10:00. Simply put, this is a feature that not even James Bond would need when diving, and it has nothing to do with the water resistant capability of the watch. It is only used by scientists doing deep sea research, who need this feature when depressurizing to prevent the crystal from popping. In Die Another Day, Q Branch replaces this feature with a detonator pin which Bond sticks into the C4.

I have seen the discussion many times on watch forums whether the Seamaster is appropriate for formal occasions, and even black-tie affairs. The short answer is – wear what you want. President Clinton wore a $20 Timex. Even multimillionaire CEO’s are seen wearing cheap watches. The rules on these matters have been relaxed somewhat.

But if you are a traditionalist, the Seamaster is suitable for most formal occasions. While it is technically a divers watch, it does have an elaborate basket-weave design for the stainless steel bracelet and the understated look of the watch face ensures it does not draw unnecessary attention to itself… just the way James Bond would want. Interestingly enough, the latest iteration of the Seamaster (GMT) is probably less appropriate for formal wear as they have made the design bolder and sportier.

There is a little more debate over whether a divers watch is appropriate for black tie. I suppose it would depend on the occasion, but in general you should go with a dress watch to match the rest of the tuxedo. There is nothing wrong with using Bond as a style barometer, but it’s also important to consider the image that is being projected. While it would not be unusual for James Bond to go gambling in the evening followed by a deep sea mission dive to a submarine, if that is not on your itinerary it may look a bit silly to be found wearing one to a wedding.

In closing, the Omega Seamaster is not as expensive as some believe it is. You can find one new for as low as $800, if you look in the right places. It is a piece of jewelry that you will have for life. As evidenced in the movie persona, Bond eats, shoots, sleeps and has sex with it on his wrist at all times.

NOTE: To coincide with the release of Die Another Day, Omega released a limited edition James Bond version of the Seamaster. 10,007 were made and they were priced at around $2100. Instead of the usual wavy background, the face design had little 007 logos spattered on the front, along with other subtle changes. You can still find some on ebay, I’m sure, but I doubt Bond would be so self-indulging as to wear a watch with his own number on it.

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OMEGA
Omega’s Home Page
Omega’s James Bond site

Less expensive alternatives
Timex
Fossil (great looking sporty watches)
TAG Heuer (In The Bourne Identity, Matt Damon wears the Chronographic Link [black dial])

*disclaimer: as Bryce would say, none of this is worth going into debt for. There are plenty of reasonably priced alternatives available. However, if you are a stickler for accuracy, it may be worth spending a little more the first time to get it right rather than buy multiple times because you were unhappy with your first few ventures.

Thanks to: Derek Ziglar’s chronocentric.com, which has been an invaluable resource in all things Omega.

James Bond's Martini Mystique

Human invention has launched untold thousands of cocktails, but only one has developed a genuine model standard by which all others are judged. Immune to shifting taste and fashion, the martini has not only endured, it has prospered. The martini is an honest drink, tasting exactly like what it is and nothing else. The classic martini is a no-nonsense drink that, after sip or two, will make you forget the events of the day and put you in the right mood. But drink too many, and you’re on the floor. It is, in more ways than one, a power drink.

Who invented this drink we now call the Martini? That fact that may never be known. Unfortunately history is not as clear as a Martini. But what we do know is that the Martini is a symbol of high status and cool excess… and it has been the power drink of the rich and famous: Frank Sinatra, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Mae West, Ernest Hemingway, W.C. Fields, Winston Churchill, and of course… James Bond.

It’s no wonder that the martini is Bond’s signature drink. James Bond IS the human embodiment of the Martini – refined, dashing, particular, and packs a devastating punch. “Shaken not stirred.” These three simple words speak volumes about the gentleman-spy. Bond is not only fond of the high life—fast cars, fine food and even finer women—he also realizes that to live life to the fullest, one has to be demanding about the details and extremely precise about ones cocktail.

Today, there are conflicting views as to what qualifies as a martini and what doesn’t. The classic martini calls for gin, but vodka (Bond’s preference) is perfectly acceptable. When ordering, you can also ask for your martini “dry” (less vermouth), “sweet” (more) and “dirty” (with one part olive brine in the mix). Then there are the fruity and chocolate-flavored variations of the 1990s thought to be imposters dressed as martinis. But the classic Martini has been an “inspiration” to these more “eccentric” Martinis’. Like the Cosmopolitan, all have a refined Martini taste but still derive from the classic Martini.

The perfect Martini is all about ratios… and ice. For a perfect Martini chill your stemmed glass and shaker in the freezer. Put two hard-frozen ice cubes into your shaker before mixing, add your ingredients (recipes at the end of article) and shake about eight times (or should you stir?). Pour through a cocktail strainer into your chilled glass. Garnish with an olive, wedge of fruit, or other item… and Voila! Welcome to the world of movie stars, kings, and secret agents!

And what about shaking versus stirring? Followers of Bond’s “shaken not stirred” motto cite that vermouth and gin blend more smoothly when given about eight, firm shakes in a chilled martini shaker with cold, hard ice. Meanwhile, champions of stirring claim that shaking “bruise” the gin&mdashor cloud the drink with impurities such as shards of ice. A suggestion: go to a bartender you trust, order two martinis&mdashone shaken, the other stirred—and see which you prefer. It’s all about personal preference. As Bond himself would probably tell you, you should know what you want, and not be shy about asking for it. Bond even went as far as to invent his own variation of that Martini: In “Casino Royale”, Bond tells the beautiful double agent Vesper Lynd about his special Martini made with gin and vodka and is suddenly inspired to name it after her. The birth of “The Vesper”.

Martinis are about style, taste and attitude. From the way it’s shaken, to the glass it’s poured into, each element adds flavor. Whether you prefer vodka or gin, cosmopolitans or chocolate martinis… let your martini entertain your style!

To discuss James Bond’s signature drink or your own signature drink please visit this post on the CBn forums.

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If you want to mix your own martini at home and perhaps enjoy it while watching a Bond film—check out the recipes below:

Medium-dry Vodka Martini (James Bond’s choice in the films)

• 4 parts Vodka
• 1 part Vermouth
• 1 green olive

The ‘Vesper’ Martini (Fleming’s choice)

• 3 parts Gin
• 1 part Vodka
• 1 part Vermouth
• 1 Lemon wedge

Vanilla Vodka Cosmopolitan Martini (Athena’s choice)

• 3 parts Vanilla Vodka (Stoli)
• 1 part Triple Sec
• 1 part Cranberry juice
• Splash of Lime juice
• 1 Cherry or Lime/Orange wedge

Apple Martini

• 3 parts Vodka
• 1 part Sour Apple Schnapps
• 1 thin slice of Apple

Chocolate Martini

2 parts oz Vanilla Vodka

1 part Godiva Liqueur

1 Cherry

optional: swirl the glass with raspberry syrup and/or dip rim of glass in shaved chocolate

Did Bond Bring Back The Belt?

Given the importance of James Bond’s art of living in both the cinematic and literary Bond incarnations I’ve always been surprised by the lack of availability of merchandise associated with the lifestyle.

Certainly there have been the odd trinkets, a martini-shaker here, a plastic cap gun there and even sunglasses named after the veritable spy; but never anything en masse, never any major line of clothing and accessories for Bond fans to indulge themselves in. Despite the absence of one uber-brand, I recently happened across evidence of the world of James Bond influencing the world of fashion. And I’m not forced to ask myself, has James Bond brought back the belt?

Summer has hit the Southern Hemisphere and people are back in the shops en masse. Personally, I never left. And it’s only through roaming various shopping blocks that I’ve noticed a the influence of James Bond upon women’s summer fashion.

It all started during a search for a bikini. Obviously the garment was not for me, but if a female friend wants my fashion opinion and in turn twirls around half naked, I’m more than happy to lend a hand. When it comes to bikinis, you can never overlook Seafolly. Available in the UK, Australia and various European countries they have a wide array of women’s beachwear. Their range is extensive, extending from the revealing string bikini to board-shorts, yet this seasons line-up included something I hadn’t noted before; the belted bikini.

Ursula Andress made the belted bikini a classic icon in James Bond’s first cinematic outing, Dr No. So classic the image, Lindy Hemming used it as the basis for Izabella Scorupco’s bikini in GoldenEye and then again for Halle Berry’s in Die Another Day. But with the belted bikini in their range, Seafolly have taken every mans fantasy a step closer to reality.

Of the bikinis in Seafolly’s range, I first came across the ‘Urban Sport’. A sexy little blue number its hipster pants sported a minimalist belt. As soon as my eyes fell upon them Andress’ exit from the Jamaican sea sprung to mind, and they were soon on my companions ‘to try on’ list.

Despite the obvious connotations that the belt evoked, the ‘Urban Sport’ line felt like it just didn’t quite reach the Bondian ideal. Perhaps it was the powder blue colour or the striped belt, but as sexy as it was, the ‘Urban Sport’ just didn’t quite reach the standard Ursula Andress had so effortlessly set.

Then I came across the ‘Diva’. Another belt sporting line, yet this one came in white with its halter neck top even sporting slight ruffles. The ‘Diva’ was it, the closest thing to the ideal, the bikini for all real world Bond Girls.

But despite the obvious prominence of belts in Seafolly’s range, it didn’t conclude that they were Bond influenced, nor that James Bond had brought back the belt. After all, I am a Bond fan and my connection between these bikinis and anything in the celluloid Bond could have all been some deep Bond induced fantasy in need of thorough psychiatric attention.

Perhaps not.

It was another shopping experience that affirmed my belief. This time, the belt featured on a skirt so short it would certainly be the zenith of every boys fantasy, were it not for the fact it was in a ghastly green colour. Despite its general lack of material, the designers had still managed to incorporate a belt. But how exactly does a skirt evoke a Bond girl image, let alone one based upon a bikini? Well, this one succeeded quite well. For the belt buckle was something you’d only have previously found on Halle Berry in Die Another Day. For unlike previously unmanufactured buckles this one formed the letter J, in the exact fashion of Berry’s.

Perhaps Bond has brought back the belt after all.