The PPS fieldstrips similar to a Glock in that the gun must be unloaded and then the trigger disengaged in order to remove the slide assembly from the frame. As I mentioned earlier, the trigger is rendered inoperable by removing the backstrap.

The author does not like having his pinky finger hanging out in space when loading a short-grip pistol, so he wraps it around his ring finger.

Once the steel slide is removed, the metal chassis that houses the internal components can be seen. These parts are robust in appearance and simple in function. The recoil spring and guide rod assembly are of a dual spring design that helps reduce both felt recoil and the continuous battering of the slide on the frame.

The system works quite well as the muzzle flip on the short barreled PPS is negligible, making it easy to shoot both fast and accurate. This system will be greatly appreciated in the .40 caliber model. These features also combine to make a very reliable gun; the PPS worked flawlessly throughout 500 rounds of varied 9mm ammunition--including some old lead reloads I had on hand.

The author did not like the PPS at first, but as he shot the gun and it loosened up, he became a fan. Some guns just need to breaking in period.

All of this brings us back to Ian Fleming and Geoffrey Boothroyd: Would they have liked the new Walther PPS? According to Boothroyd's own words, Fleming preferred pistols and I think that he would have been quite impressed with the space age look and design of the PPS.

Since Boothroyd was an avowed revolver fan, he would have appreciated the consistent trigger of the PPS as well as its point-and-shoot design. As for Agent 007, he would have liked the PPS's 9mm or .40 S&W power and reliability combined with the compact size and flat profile--all the easier to hide under the fitted jacket of a tuxedo.