Geoffry Boothroyd, gun collector and author, advised Ian Fleming to have Bond use a S&W Centennial Airweight. Fleming thought Bond should use a semiauto, and it was Boothroyd who finally suggested the PPK in 7.65mm (.32 cal).
Today I might suggest the S&W M&P .357 revolver. Wider selection of ammunition in same size package. If I had to trade in my PPK (.380), I'd update the PPK to the PPS (Police Pistol Slim) in 9mm. Nice flate weapon, though I'm not entirely comfortable with the grip, especially with the smallest magazine.

Again this is living the life they do in the Bond films. Panache, taste, sophistication. Sorry Kel-Tec and Kahr seriously lack them. They may be adequate firearms, but not Bond-able. Walther, Browning, & S&W (revolvers), please.

Thank you Lee, this may be the start of a new hobby for myself and some locals I associate with. You've heard of Cowboy Action Shooting? How about Bond Action Shooting? Comparing and shooting the pistols, revolvers, and other firearms used in the Bond films and novels, and seeing if other firearms would make the cut.

Went to my local arms emporium, and with the help of the proprietor and some individuals from law enforcement, military, and "other" government agencies, looked side by side at the Kel-Tec, Kahr, Walther, Sig, Glock, and XD concealable pistols. The question - if you were living the James Bond life which of these would you carry? In discussing each pistol, what I said here was just as prevelant in real life - people would tend to justify what they were currently carrying.
Local law enforcement is issued Glocks, and they tended to pick the Glock concealables first, then Sigs, XDs and Walthers.
The military present chose Sig, XD, Kahr, then Walther.
"Other" government chose Sig, Walther, Kahr, XD.

Kahr was third on my list as well. The Glocks and XDs just too fat in the hand. The Kahr in 45 ACP hurt after the first magazine in a way similar to my S&W M&P 340 when I shoot .357.

I asked those present about the Kahr, and did it fit their perception of the Bond Lifestyle. No one saw it having the panache of the higher end weapons, but after handling it, everyone agreed you wouldn't be tossed out of Blades for carrying it. I stand corrected on my earlier disparaging remarks on this pistol. Even Bond drove a rental Ford until he won the Aston Martin in the poker game.

Now the Kel-Tec. The kindest thing anyone could say was if it was all you could afford, it was better than throwing rocks (though one military man of larger stature said "I don't know, I can throw rocks pretty hard"). The polymer used in the lower portion was of noticeably lower quality, the fit and finish of the slide and barrel was much worse than all other weapons present. No one thought they, or James Bond would choose to carry this. The sights put this in the "gut-gun" category. The law enforcers said they tend to find this weapon in lower socio-economic circumstances. Everyone agreed it was "adequate." Everyone said that if it was all they could afford, and they had to have something, they'd shoot it. But everyone said they'd upgrade as quickly as possible. It's not junk, but only just. If you have one, and you're happy with it, more power to you.

And I was right on one other thing. The 1911 fans present quickly started in with the "Bond should shoot the Kimber Covert I shoot, the 1911 is the greatest platform......yada, yada, yada. Everyone seeks to justify what they carry.

Dear Lee,

Did try it on the range, still not impressed in the slightest. But then, variety is the spice of life, and if we all liked the same things it would be boring. As to my military friend and the rock, 102 mph on the radar gun, went through the cantalope at 60 feet. He gets a pass from us here on the comment. Best to you and yours.

Lee, I can, and do legally carry, and am of a size that allows me to carry my Sig P226 and Walther P99 comfortably concealed. I also have my S&W M&P 340 and Walther PPK for in-the-pocket carry. I spent the money to get tailored clothing, and quality holsters. I am fortunate in these regards, and thankful.
As to my friend with the arm, he much prefers what he does for Uncle Sugar (and all of us) to playing sports. Money isn't everything
(Besides, all he can throw is the fast ball, and he's only good for about 20 pitches, including warm ups. Then his control is shot all to hell)