Firearm: Walther PPK/S in .32 ACP (MSRP: $969)
It’s genuinely hard to overstate the impact of the Walther PPK on the firearm world. The PPK designation comes from the abbreviation of the German Polizeipistole Kriminal, which translates approximately into police pistol, detective. At the time of its introduction, it was groundbreaking—a small, easily concealed pistol with a double-action trigger and a safety. The majority of concealable firearms were either tiny single-action .25 ACP models like the Baby Browning or larger single-action versions like the Colt 1903 or 1908.
But, let’s be honest. That’s not what the PPK is known for, is it? No, it’s known as the iconic sidearm of one James Bond, Ian Fleming’s dashing spy. For more than 60 years in film, and longer in the novels, “007” has been the coolest of the cool operators, and for the majority of that time, he has been equipped with a Walther PPK. From “Dr. No” in 1962 through “Tomorrow Never Dies” in 1997, the PPK has been the definitive Bond pistol. It even makes a comeback in the Daniel Craig Bond era. Only the Smith & Wesson Model 29 carried by “Dirty Harry” Callahan even approaches the PPK in terms of recognizability.
This fame gives the PPK some cachet, though, in the concealed-carry world. Life often imitates art, and it’s a solid bet that a fair number of people were inspired to start their concealed-carry journey with a PPK or one of its derivatives. The dimensions of the PPK certainly lend itself to concealed-carry: 6.1 inches long, 1 inch wide, 3.8 inches in height and weighing 19 ounces, it can be carried in a pocket, inside the waistband, in an ankle holster and pretty much anywhere else with ease. While most opt for the .380 ACP version, with a capacity of 7 rounds total, the .32 ACP model we have today has a capacity of 8 rounds total.
Is the PPK ideal? I doubt anyone would make that case. There are more powerful 9 mm handguns that have greater capacity and are about the same size. However, not everyone can handle a snappy 9 mm pistol with a barely two-finger grip. With its .32 ACP chambering, the PPK is extremely controllable; while that cartridge is generally considered sub-optimal with regard to muzzle energy, being able to accurately place rounds is important. A smaller-caliber firearm that gets practice time frequently and can be shot precisely is a good option. And, besides, it’s got style.
Holster: Falco Holsters Enhanced Timeless Leather Cross Shoulder Harness (MSRP: $249.95)
In keeping with the James Bond theme, we’ve opted for the Enhanced Timeless Leather Cross Shoulder Harness holster that’s newly released by Falco Holsters. With premium full-grain Italian leather construction, this is an aesthetically pleasing holster that would certainly be suitable for the world’s master spy. It offers a horizontal design with a steel-reinforced thumb break for positive retention, and is precision molded for the individual handgun. Two vertically mounted magazine carriers sit opposite the pistol, giving plentiful capacity and a counterweight to the pistol itself.
A quick note on shoulder holsters in general: There are pros and cons to using this option. For the pros, a shoulder rig gives excellent access to the firearm when in a seated position, like sitting at a desk or behind the wheel of your car. For cons, especially with horizontally mounted pistols, extra care needs to be taken when drawing the pistol from the holster to avoid covering anything behind you, especially your support arm during the drawstroke. If you’re new to shoulder holsters, it would be an excellent idea to run a good amount of dry practice before using live ammunition.
Accessory: CRKT Collet Pen (MSRP: $49)
What would Bond be without gadgets? We couldn’t resist adding the Columbia River Knife & Tool Collet Pen to our Bondian kit. While it looks like a standard, somewhat fancy pen, the aluminum construction gives it plenty of heft in the hand for writing purposes – or use as a striking weapon. Add to that a hardened tungsten-carbide tip scribe that can be used to engrave metal – or make a point – and you have a formidable writing implement worthy of being carried by the world’s premier espionage agent. Its 1.1 ounce weight won’t weigh you down, and it can actually be used quite easily as a pen, complete with refills readily available.
Accessory: Federal Premium HST Deep 68-grain .32 ACP (MSRP: $36.99/box of 20 rounds)
Closing out today’s kit is an eminently practical addition, Federal Premium’s new HST Deep 68-grain .32 ACP jacketed hollowpoint ammunition. Federal revamped the .32 ACP to follow the HST Deep protocols, with specially engineered projectiles designed to promote consistent expansion. Should you, for whatever reason, be carrying a smaller caliber pistol in .32 ACP, this new HST Deep is going to provide the best results yet. Federal has done for the .32 ACP what its 22 Punch did for the .22 LR. While neither the .32 ACP nor the .22 LR would be a first choice for a defensive round, these new, upgraded defensive rounds certainly close the gap considerably.
