I am starting to get interested in the same pistols myself. From what I have seen of them, they look like great guns. I haven't shot one yet so all I can give you is my somewhat untested evaluation.

I would spend the extra on the steel. It seems much tougher and less liable to fail. I don't think guns should have ever been made out of brass.

I should try and get me one of those! I also want a traditional muzzleloader.