I had one (sold it to a friend when I got the babyGlock in .357 Sig.), and I think they are fine pistols (based on Alex DuPlessis' South African ADP pistol that was too politically incorrect to import in the late '80s, tho S&W seriously looked at the design).
I found the gas-delayed blowback action handled any load, from weak reloads (remember to use jacketed bullets so as not to clog up the gas ports!) up to +P+ hollowpoints, with aplomb. This action minimizes even the negligible recoil of a 9mm. The fixed barrel makes for a very accurate small pistol (I would get sub-1" groups all the time at 30' - don't recall shooting it much at 25 yds). The Stealth is smaller than a babyGlock, but has a longer barrel (you get the benefit of the full 4" a 9mm likes) and the same capacity. The magazines are MecGar from Italy, and they are high quality. You can carry in deep cover and sweat all over the polymer frame and stainless slide. Disassembly and cleaning are a little weird, but simple.
Downsides: the litigation-wary ambi-safety is annoying, and can snap out of "Fire" and into "Safe" if the plastic ball-detent wears down. The safety also is the thickest part of the pistol. The sights are adequate, but not top quality. Some people don't like the striker-fired system (but, hey, I have a Glock).
Having said that, I would buy one of these again in a heartbeat, if I ever needed a small 9 mm. A true American-made value. I don't understand why the Stealth hasn't driven the KelTec out of existence. E-mail me if you have any specific questions I might be able to answer.
cheers,
erich
pinto1966@earthlink.net
[This message has been edited by Erich (edited May 24, 2000).]
