Sarge,
#1) I would not agree that all hatchery stock is unpure, whatever that means. Depends on what breed, what hatchery, etc. I will say that most hatchery stock is selected along the lines of quantity over quality, and not always bred with an eye to the breed standard. Does not mean the stock is crossed, although in some cases, it may be.
#2) As for Sandhill, the Shamo they have LOOK LIKE shamo to my eye. A heavier bodied shamo for sure, but a definite version of shamo. It all depends what you want them for , as to if they are worth ordering. Their Shamo are 10x better than the "shamo" Ideal sells, I can tell you that. Their cubalaya are variable, but on the whole, much larger and more productive birds than what any other hatchery sells. I'd say the BB Reds are by far the best, the other colors will give more off types, some good ones, sure, but still the BB Reds are the best. The pyles I've seen had some of the same issues as JAT described for the white, since pyles are often bred from whites.
thanks! definatly puttin in an order now! DWs gettin her heavy layers and ill be gettin my orientals!!!