Geoffrey Boothroyd (1925 – 20 October 2001) was a British expert on firearms who wrote several standard reference works on the subject.
[3] Boothroyd proposed a compromise solution of the 7.65mm Walther PPK, which provided higher stopping power than the Beretta and had a double action, allowing a more rapid first shot after drawing from a holster.
[citation needed] For the cover of the novel From Russia, with Love (1957), Fleming wanted a design incorporating a pistol and a rose.
Boothroyd posted his own weapon to illustrator Richard Chopping for use on the cover: a .38 Smith & Wesson snubnosed revolver, modified by removing a third of the trigger guard.
It was introduced by the Bond actor Sean Connery, filmed in costume on the set of Goldfinger (1964), and featured demonstrations of the weapons by Boothroyd in his home and on a firing range.