Sauer 38H with holster
The Sauer 38H was one of the best small pistol of World War
II. It had the unique de-cocking lever which has not been used on any pistol
since. It is one of the most enjoyable 7.65 (32 ACP) pistols for shooting. Like
the legendary Walther PP and PPK, the 38H is outstandingly accurate, reliable,
and robust. It was rumored to be a favorite of German paratroops in WW II. The
German Army and police used the pistol extensively and there were no
complaints.
Beretta 1934 sometimes used in early Bond movies and misidentified as a 25 ACP Caliber.
Ian Fleming, an excellent and imaginative writer but no gun
expert, created the super-agent 007 James Bond. Bond was armed with an early 25
ACP Beretta. Geoffrey Boothroyd, a Scottish firearms expert, wrote Fleming on
this matter. Boothroyd suggested a colt snub-nosed revolver and a proper
holster. Fleming insisted on Bond
carrying a semi-automatic pistol. The two men came up with two handguns which
were sufficiently advanced and rakish enough for Bond. The Sauer 38H and the
postwar Walther PPK were the finalists.
The Walther won on several points, more stylish looks. It was a German
but not exclusively NAZI pistol. It was
considered state of the art and was still in production. The 38H was produced
only during the NAZI years and went out of production in 1945.
Sauer 38H (top) and a prewar Walther PPK, the PPK is more compact and sleek.
The Walther PPK was chosen and Boothroyd was rewarded by Fleming
naming the original “Q” Major Boothroyd. Fleming also titled Geoffrey Boothroyd as the official
armorer to James Bond. Of course Walther
a skyrocketing demand for the PPK due to the Bond movies. A phenomenon not seen
until “Dirty Harry” popularized the S&W Model 29 44 Magnum revolver.
Prewar Walther PPK(top) and the eventual Bond gun, the postwar PPK.
A few side notes, the Beretta 25 ACP is seen in the early
movies as a Beretta 1934, as similar but larger design. The 38H would have a great Bond gun, but its
past clearly mitigated against it. The Bond legacy has induced Walther to produce
an alloy slide and frame Walther PPK/S in 22 Long Rifle. I hope this new gun lives
up to the legend.
Question: What does it mean for the 38H to be in stainless? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe Sauer 38H was never made in stainless. A pistol "in the white" may have not finish at all, or was nickel plated as a souvenir of WW II.
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