Ian Fleming, in Late May of 1956, received a letter that was politely critical on Mr. Bond’s weapon of choice.

I have, by now, got rather fond of Mr. James Bond. I like most of the things about him, with the exception of his rather deplorable taste in firearms. In particular, I dislike a man who comes into contact with all sorts of formidable people using a .25 Beretta. This sort of gun is really a lady’s gun, and not a really nice lady at that. If Mr. Bond has to use a light gun he would be better off with a .22 rim fire; the lead bullet would cause more shocking effect than the jacketed type of the .25.

May I suggest that Mr. Bond be armed with a revolver?

Read the full letter, and see Ian Flemings reply at this link.. Letters of Note: May I suggest that Mr. Bond be armed with a revolver?.