I just have almost no interest in Tristar/Diana/Baikal/etc. I know people who have bought stuff from these companies and have been happy, but I'm not willing to spend money on something that is new and completely unknown.

The one exception that I prefer that is a relative newcomer to the American market is CZ. The've been in the rifle business for a long time and also make top notch pistols- all at prices where you get a lot of value for your money. American companies like Winchester and Remington try to make rifles out of cheaper materials to compete with far superior stuff coming from overseas- I always feel like they are pissing down my back and telling me that its raining. Sadly I think the bargain prices of CZ firearms will be a thing of the past soon with the Euro outpacing the American dollar in value.