Let me preface this by saying welcome aboard.

I don't own a Spikes rifle, so take this for what its worth, opinion from someone without first hand knowledge of the product.

With that, recent evidence and experienced users on this forum report good findings regarding Spikes quality. Rob Sloyer just printed an article in the January issue of Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement that covers Spikes specs, its worth picking up a copy and will most likely answer your first question. The threads on other forums are wrought with emotion making it difficult to find accurate information and data within them to make an educated decision. If you haven't already, check out the reviews of the LE model and Piston upper contained in this forum. Stick and Quib are trusted sources.

As far as your second question is concerned, all the info I've seen suggests that Spikes is tough to beat. You should buy with confidence and without remorse.