TargetTalk

Does anyone have any information on the SAM/Anschutz compressed compressed air pistol designed by Cesare Morini, produced by Swiss Arms Manufacture, and marked as an Anschutz? Any information /discussion/personal experience etc. will be appreciated.

The M5 you mention is the baby version of the M10. The M10 was the first Cesare design after he left Morini SA. Anschutz was a business partner of the M10 project, so in some markets (i.e. Germany) most pistols are "Anschutz", in Switzerland the same thing is a SAM. SAM still exists, the M10 was developed into the K11, and then further to today's K15.

The first series had some quality problems, although in my experience most pistols nowadays work pretty well, by Ticino / Italian standards. Don't expect too much from SAM, they are a very small company. I used one for a season some years ago; liked it pretty well, but not as well as my Steyr LP5 :-) Trigger is strange, it's mechanical, but not with the usual design. It uses two radii working against each other, so the release feels more like a 162E, and it can't be adjusted - either you like the way it breaks, or you don't. Grips are compatible (95%) with today's Matchguns. Grip adjustability options are therefore great. Rear sight is similar to Morini. Very good comp, which is also a great improvement for the 162E - same barrel diameter, very similar front sights. Otherwise, it's a conventional AP. Good prices on the used guns market, though.

Thanks again Tycho, your wealth of experience is greatly appreciated.