[Jeff Higgins]

DAO systems on autos seem to be getting more and more popular, that's for sure. They do fill a need for people that have minimal training, or time to get training and practice. It is a simple system to use at defensive ranges, under a great deal of stress, so therefore may have a place on that type of firearm. As ranges extend and the need for greater precision starts to outweigh the need for speed, they rapidly get very frustrating to use. They are simply incapable of the accuracy available from a good, crisp, single action pull. I could only see having such a system on a dedicated pocket gun or something, as a last resort kind of thing.

Law enforcement's adoption of this system should not be taken as any kind of an endorsement. Too often us civilians are impressed by what the "pro's" use, without fully understanding the reasons for their choices. Too often, the actual guys and gals that will have to carry the damn thing have no say in its selection; it is very often simply an expedient choice driven by considerations outside of its actual utility.

Often the choice is driven by public perception. For example, carrying a 1911 in "condition one" (round chambered, hammer back, thumb safety engaged) is the accepted method. Imagine seeing a cop walking around like that, especially if you know nothing about guns. In many departments, the choice is driven by poor training stemming from tight budgets; it's far easier to teach some one to shoot a DAO auto than to manipulate the various controls on more complex guns.

So, what I'm getting at, is that unless you have some specific need for that system, you might be better off in the long run with something else. I seem to remember you picked up shooting seriously fairly recently, and enjoy recreational shooting. You may very well shoot better, for now, with this DAO system. In the long run, however, taking the time to get really good with a single action pull will pay bigger dividends. You will simply shoot better.