I don't know whether you can do a trigger job on a Ruger. I assume that they trigger pull can be smoothed up a bit. Take it to a competent gunsmith, and he'll tell you what he can do.

If you absolutely insist on a double action, take a look at the new ones being offered by Para-Ordnance. I haven't shot one yet, but I have heard that it's the smoothest DA pistol on the market. Probably a little pricier than the Ruger though. I don't know whether that's one of your considerations. I like Para-Ordnance pistols, because there are no compromises. You get .40 or .45 pistols with high-capacity magazines. My .45's will hold 17-18 rounds.

My son and I shoot local IPSC matches. He started out using my S&W Model 559 9mm. One day, he asked if he could try my Para-Ordnance P14-45. His scores went up by 25%, and I never got my pistol back. Had to go out and buy another one... Trust me... Save a few extra bucks and GET THAT KIMBER! You won't be disappointed. Regardless of what you pick, have someone with experience show you how tooperate it.