http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho_941

Wiki says that the newer ones have the polygonal rifling. Afraid I don't know much about the other questions you raise tho'.

Edit: look here for some more information http://www.best9mm.com/ they mention the baby eagle as being second to the CZ-75. Unfortunately, the author of the site only considers sub-$500 9mm's, which really limit the options and don't really exist in the retail world (or at least not in CA and it's high cost of living).