The ASP pistol

The ASP pistol, developed in the 60s, was mentioned in a recent A-C-E post about James Bond handguns. An article by James McMahon was linked.

Here's another article by J. Deval, who developed the ASP 2000 by modifying the S&W 3913.

Many of the elements incorporated in modern compact, tactical firearms were inspired by the ASP, which is now a collector's item.  Special editions (such as the one described in the continuation), attempt to capitalize on the legend.

Images of ASP conversion of S&W Model 39-2  sold at Novaksights.com.

UPDATE: Coincidentally, the mastermind behind the ASP, Paris Theodore, passed away (at the age of 63) on 16 NOV 2006, just three days before this post on the 19th.  The first internet reference to his death was on the 20th, the day after this post. A frequent visitor and commenter -- "coolhand77" -- caught it.

Here's the description for one of the 100 ASP "Quest for Excellence" special edition ASP pistols, listing at $5750 in GunsAmerica in NOV 2006. (Word of caution: Dean Speir @ The Gun Zone syas there are numerous errors in this description.)

The "Quest For Excellence" ASP Special Edition

In 1946 C.R. Hellstrom was elected president of Smith & Wesson. He instructed the firm's chief firearms designer Joe Norman to develop a new 9mm semi-automatic pistol featuring a double action first shot design. On October 28, 1948 Mr. Norman completed the first prototype pistol Serial No. X-46. This weapon evolved into the Smith & Wesson Model 439 semi-automatic 9mm pistol.

This, first and only special edition ASP pistol ever produced by Armament Systems and Procedures is a tribute to Joe Norman's design. The 286 modifications normally performed in an ASP conversion of the 439 are supplemented by a series of unique and never-before-offered accessories to the ASP.

This specially produced ASP pistol is fitted with handmade Indian buffalo horn grips with a clear window for cartridge visibility. The standard Guttersnipe Advance Sighting Plane is augmented by the installation of three radio luminous tritium capsules which provide a tri-dot sighting system during low light conditions. Complete with a specially machined MC 3 all-steel companion boot knife.

A 14K solid gold cloisonne lapel pin are encased with the ASP pistol. Furnished in a glove leather bound presentation book inscribed with "THE QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE by Norman". A specially produced instruction manual details the history of the pistol and the uniqueness of the special edition. The slide of the weapon, lapel pin, boot knife and instruction manual are all sequently serial numbered from 001 through 100.

In conclusion each item in the QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE edition is uniquely functional. The lapel pin identifies the client as one who appreciates the excellence of the ASP. The leather bound folio case provides discrete storage of a truly one of a kind firearm. Above is from the original sales brochure. Price is $4495. Condition is absolutely new in the box. Note: When Ian Fleming died John Gardner continued to write the James Bond novels. When John Gardner first saw the ASP pistol he immediately said that this would be the gun James Bond would carry. In his first novel "Role of Honor" the ASP pistol is featured as his weapon of choice.