A new coffee table book on James Bond’s firearms promises to take readers on a tour of “Bond’s world and his weapons” like never before. A Kickstarter campaign to fund publishing the book wraps up Friday, and it’s just short of its fundraising goal.
If you’re a Bond fan and into firearms, you may already be familiar with Caleb Daniels’ work. Also known as the social media presence “Commando Bond,” Daniels is an expert on firearms seen in the Bond films as well as Walther firearms, and his website and social media outlets are focused on celebrating the lifestyle and firearms of James Bond. “Licensed Troubleshooter” will be Daniels’ first published work in print, and he teamed with photographer James Rupley for the project.
“This passion project began as an outlet to bridge the gap between the world of pop culture and firearms, to help normalize the daily carry, use, and enjoyment of firearms through the lens of cinematic and literary heroes,” Daniels explained in a news release.
Not only does the book cover the guns used by the various fictional Bonds in both cinema and print, but Daniels goes in-depth on their real-world history, design, and use – even featuring interviews with members of various U.S. and UK special forces. The book also includes an introduction to the entire collection of novels and authors that continue the Bond story, as well as a look at notable watches/timepieces, tailoring, and cocktails of the 007 world. A few of the firearms detailed:
- Walther PPK iconic compact pistol
- Analysis of Ian Fleming’s “skeleton-gripped .25 Beretta”
- An exploration and identification of Ian Fleming’s “long-barrelled .45 Colt Army Special”
- ASP 9mm pistol
- Walther WA2000 precision rifle
- Scaramanga’s famous “Golden Gun”
- Heckler & Koch P7 with squeeze cocker and piston-delayed operation
- Walther P99 polymer-framed pistol
- SVD Dragunov, sniper rifle of the Iron Curtain
- MBA Gyrojet firing rocket-propelled projectiles
With only a few days left on the fundraising campaign, pledges totaled nearly $480,000, just shy of Daniels’ $500,000 goal.
To contribute and reserve your copy of “Licensed Troubleshooter,” visit the Headstamp Publishing Kickstarter campaign now.
The fundraising drive closes at the end of the day on Friday, Oct. 11, with books set to ship in April-May of 2025.
