The world suffered a collective blow with the news of Sean Connery’s passing on Halloween. The 90-year-old cinematic icon is nothing short of Hollywood royalty, appearing in over 90 films and TV shows over the course of seven decades. Although he earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his turn in the gangster film The Untouchables, Connery is undoubtedly known best for his legendary work as James Bond, the suave super-spy created by Ian Fleming.
Connery portrayed James Bond seven times over the course of his series run. He began with Dr. No in 1962 and ended with Never Say Never Again in 1983. In honor of Connery’s memory, here are the coolest weapons in his arsenal.
Walther PPK: From Russia With Love (1963)
The Walther PP pistol is the weapon of choice for Agent 007. In the seven Bond films Connery made, he used several iterations, upgrades, add-ons, and newer versions of the Walther PP.
However, none have served as more of a trademark Bond weapon than the Walther PPK model. The gun is featured extensively throughout the series, sometimes suppressed with an elongated silencer. Other caliber models of the firearm that Connery’s Bond uses in the series include the Walther p38 and the Walther P5. It’s Bond’s favorite and most dependable weapon.
Webley MK VI Pistol: Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
In one of the rare times that Bond strays from his trusty Walther PPK, he brandishes a Webley MK IV Piton Pistol in Diamonds Are Forever. However, the weaponized gadget isn’t given to him by Q. Bond picks up the gun from a foe who drops it to the floor following an attack.
The pistol can shoot a grappling line and hook roughly 10-15 meters away. The gun can also fire live rounds of ammunition, as seen when Bond returns fire on Blofeld’s imposter.
Czech SA.25 Submachine Gun & Mac-10: Never Say Never Again (1983)
The advancement in technological artillery is starkly noticeable in Connery’s final film as James Bond. In Never Say Never Again, Bond is strapped with an Uzi and a machine gun as he takes on an international terrorist plot.
In a drastic departure from his trademark Walther pistols, Bond retrieves a Czech Sa.25 submachine gun from a fallen soldier. However, the mission turns out to be a training exercise in which he does not need to use the weapon. Later, during the Tears of Allah sequence, Bond flashes an Uzi Mac-10 that is the single-most modern and advanced firearm Connery has used as Bond throughout his tenure.
Bond’s Briefcase: From Russia With Love (1963)
Bond’s high-tech arsenal began ramping up in Connery’s second cinematic venture, From Russia With Love. When given his mission, 007 is provided a briefcase outfitted with a slew of cool gadgets and deadly weapons.
In addition to the Armalite AR-7 .22. caliber rifle that Q customizes for .25 caliber rounds, the case includes 20 rounds of ammo, 50 gold coins, a canister of tear-gas disguised as talcum powder that detonates when the case is opened improperly, and a spring-loaded throwing dagger sheathed on the outside of the case.
Browning Auto 5 Shotgun: Thunderball (1965)
One of Bond’s most powerful weapons includes a Browning Automatic 5 12-Gauge Shotgun that he uses in Thunderball, Connery’s fourth time portraying 007. Unfortunately, the weapon is largely for show.
Bond brandishes the Browning Shotgun while speaking with Largo, the chief villain of the film. As the two get to know each other before fighting, Bond casually fires the shotgun on the beach with a noticeable amount of kick from the gun. He may have shot live rounds in the scene.
Cigarette Mini-Rocket: You Only Live Twice (1967)
In You Only Live Twice, Tiger provides Bond with one of his all-time coolest gadgets that also doubles as a firearm. 007 is given a cigarette capable of firing a small, one-shot, rocket-fuelled projectile up to roughly 100 feet away.
Unlike the Browning Shotgun, Bond actually gets to use the mini-rocket cigarette inside Blofeld’s volcano lair. Bond incapacitates an unwitting henchman standing guard at the control room doors, and the direct hit allows Bond to advance toward Blofeld.
Beretta M1934: Dr. No (1962)
While it may not be flashier than most, Bond’s original firearm holds extra importance. Prior to being outfitted with his signature Walther PP arsenal, filmmakers of the very first Bond film paid tribute to series creator Ian Fleming by equipping 007 with a Beretta M1934 9mm handgun.
The Beretta M1934 is the very first firearm Bond is seen carrying in the film series. It is an affectionate nod to Ian Fleming, but it also serves as a point of reference for how far Bond’s high-powered arsenal has evolved over the decades.
Pen Gun: Never Say Never Again (1983)
In Connery’s final stand as James Bond, he is given one of the most portable, accessible, and best-disguised weapon-gadgets of all in the form of a Pen Gun.
In Never Say Never Again, Q bestows the sneaky Pen Gun to Bond in her lab, revealing that the fountain pen holds a hidden firearm inside that can shoot a single explosive charge. Adorned with the British flag, Bond uses the Pen Gun to fire at Fatima Blush before the film is over.
Jet Pack: Thunderball (1965)
Although a bit clunky by today’s standards, the Jet Pack that was given to James Bond in Thunderball still ranks as one of 007’s all-time best technological gizmos.
Q customizes the Bell Rocket Belt Jet Pack to Bond’s specs, allowing him to escape through the air whenever necessary. After killing Jacques Bouvar in the elaborate opening sequence, Bond uses the Jet Pack to propel into the sky and make a daring escape. The Jet Pack was recycled in Die Another Day, reinforcing what a great gadget it is for the character.
Little Nellie: You Only Live Twice (1967)
In You Only Live Twice, Q equips Bond with a complex gadget called Little Nellie. The portable WA-116 Autogyro is akin to a mini-helicopter or large drone craft that is small enough to fit in a suitcase and is easy to assemble anywhere in the world.
Moreover, the hovercraft is outfitted with rocket launchers, heat-seeking missiles, machine guns, and a slew of high-powered weaponry. It’s the perfect combination of a helpful gadget and a harmful weapon.
