SAM pistols in the US are imported under the name ATI. I've seen a few examples at local shows and if they're built as well as they're finished they would represent an honest bargain. I've yet to lay eyes on, for example, a Springfield Armory 1911 short of a TRP that is as seamless in the rear slide fit between slide/extractor/ejector. No ugly gaps, no overhang, no bevels in place of correct finish.
The bigger hurdle here is pulling ahead of proven bargains like the RIAs and to a lesser degree the American Classic imported by Bersa. As for Norinco, I'd sooner buy new (here) than buy into the mystique of a "better than Colt" import that saw its share of problems. Those that worked were indeed a bargain in their day but the next wave of lower priced reasonable quality has already set up camp.
