Redneck_Riot:
I don't know the story about what's going on at SOG, but I can answer your question about "SOG P5, worth the money".
Pictured is my surplus German Gov't SOG purchased Walther P5.
I think I paid about $429 + shipping sometime early last year.
The SOG P5's were advertised as "Excellent", and I think they were a bit optomistic in that observation. I think because of holster wear on the slide a "good to very good" might be more accurate, but hey, it's THEIR rating, not mine.
I did pay $15 extra for "hand pick", but when I emailed them pictures of my slide worn P5 they immediately offered to replace it, or return my money. As my P5 shoot poa/poi and functioned perfectly I couldn't see returning this pistol for another P5 which might have less slide wear but might not be as good a shooter.. So, SOG refunded my $15, and I have no complaints about their Customer Service, or the way they handled my complaint. I still think their rating system is skewed in their favor, but hey, lifes not perfect.
As I said My P5 is a pleasure to shoot, and if I get tired of looking at the slide wear I'll send the sucker off and get it refinished. But right now I just consider the wear as "character" wear and let it slide.
All in all I'm very pleased with my SOG P5.
Hope this helps.
Best Wishes,
J. Pomeroy
P.S.
You see them on the online gun auctions all the time for around the same price. So even if SOG's gone, they are available. Just be sure and get a 3 day return guarantee if you buy one, and you should be good to go.