yahoody,
I like the look of the BP frames (more for a "historical aesthetics" angle than any other reason). As to where the BP frames were forged, I would have to defer to someone much more knowledgeable than myself. I would have to go check the receipts for the purchase dates, but I bought the Lew Horton Sheriff's Model after 2005 (had the opportunity to purchase the entire 4 pistol set, but didn't because I'm STUPID !!
...), and the Custer Battlefield later than that. Both were NIB at the retailer, and had just been received (not old back-stock). At the point I bought these, the Italian forged stuff was (as I understand it) long gone.
As for shooting them... I am not an active CAS competitor, just an aficionado of the SAA revolver. I can shoot the USFA's a little more accurately than my 3rd Gen. Colt, which I believe has more to do with the way my eyes perceive the thin tapered front sights used with the BP framed models, than any thing else.
I still hope to get that 4 3/4 before my eyes get too bad to shoot it...
Tom