Spoke to Coyote Cap yesterday (Win 97 is heading his way for an action job).
He states that the Norinco 1887 is a good 6 months off from our shores. The SARS problem is keeping him from traveling there (Can't blame him a bit) and there are several modifications needed before the guns go into large scale production. Said that Norinco right now has orders for 5000 of the lever actions.
Cap wants Norinco to go straight to making these "Cowboy Competition" versions, even to having the serial # be the owner's SASS #. He is pretty pumped on them and thinks the final cost is around $450--500.
He himself is getting the first 50 (whenever they do come in) and will be going through them before selling them. Right now he has abut 30-40 accounted for. If you're interested e-mail him and let him know.
Just so you are up to speed on this...