I currently own 3 asm's.
an 1851 kit in .36 (it has not been finished yet).
an 1861 navy in .36,
and a 1860 army in .44
Here is a review of my ASM 1861 navy that shows some of the quality issues that came with it, but with all that stacked against it, the way it shoots, I have no intention of parting with it anytime soon. so far i have fired over 300 rounds through this pistol, and have no idea how many were fired before i got it.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=528341
the 1851 is a brass framed kit that has never been completed(i bought it to let my nephew complete the kit and learn some skills)
the 1860 has no issues, good timing, tight lockup, accurate, and shoots almost as good as the 1861. and i have fired this one over 100 times with no issues.
I can't complain about ASM, I feel I have gotten my moneys worth of enjoyment out of them, and feel I will get years more from them.
I have others, Pietta, A.S.P., and Uberti and GLB (a Schneider & Glassick .36 caliber)
Like Doc, I will give ANY Cap & Ball or single action revolver a good home, I don't care who made it.
I don't discriminate..
If the price is right, get it and enjoy it.
45 Bravo