"That's settled then." M's voice was final. "And what about something bigger?"

"There's only one gun for that, sir," said Major Boothroyd stolidly. "Smith &
Wesson Centennial Airweight. Revolver. .38 calibre. Hammerless, so it won't
catch in clothing. Overall length of six and a half inches and it only weighs
thirteen ounces. To keep down the weight, the cylinder holds only five
cartridges. But by the time they're gone," Major Boothroyd allowed himself a
wintry smile, "somebody's been killed. Fires the .38 S & W Special. Very
accurate cartridge indeed. With standard loading it has a muzzle velocity of eight
hundred and sixty feet per second and muzzle energy of two hundred and sixty
foot-pounds. There are various barrel lengths, three and a half inch, five inch..."

"All right, all right." M's voice was testy. "Take it as read. If you say it's the best
I'll believe you.

Dr. No, Chapter 2, Choice of Weapons