JT>First the good news, My other half has agreed to buy me a pistol
JT>when I've made it 60 days without cigarettes.  (July 13th).  I've
JT>selceted a Ruger P95.  I've always been a wheelgun fan but
JT>decided it was time to try a semi-auto.  This thing comes in
JT>decocker version or double action only.  I have no idea what the
JT>difference is, and have only shout a semi-auot pistol once in my
JT>life (about 3 years ago).
Double action refers to the act of cocking the hammer and releasing it, 
as you would do with a revolver.  Double action only (DAO) means you have 
to do this every time.  You cannot fire the pistol in single action mode, 
which is only releasing the hammer, after it has been cocked either 
manually or from the slide cocking it from a previous shot.
Double action trigger pulls require about 12 pounds of pull, single 
actions about 5-6 pounds.
The other version of the gun, with the decocker, is a traditional double 
action (DA).  This means that after the first shot, the slide will cycle
and cock the hammer for you, allowing use of the gun in single action
(SA) trigger mode.  SA is easier to fire with because of the lighter 
trigger pull needed.  The decocker is featured so you can let the hammer 
down after chambering a round without pulling the trigger and manually 
lowering the hammer.  This is a safety feature, but should never be 
trusted completely: always decock the gun while pointing the muzzle in a 
safe direction.
The advantages to a DAO mode are thus:  No need to decock after 
chambering a round.  Consistant 12# pull every time.  The added 
resistance of a 12# pull every time means less chance of an accidental 
discharge, a possible benefit if you are used to double action trigger 
pulls from revolver shooting.
Disadvantages: Heavy trigger pull makes fun shooting less enjoyable and a
bit harder to shoot accurately quickly, unless well practiced.
The Advantages of a DA with decocker are:  Single action firing mode,
like the colt 1911, after the first shot, or if you cock the hammer on
the first shot, while allowing you the safety of a heavier double action
trigger on that first pull.
Disadvantages: Most folks tend to carry these guns in condition 2: round
chambered, hammer down.  This means a quick draw and fire would means a
double action pull first, then transitioning to a single action pull
thereafter.  Some folks hate this.  I've gotten so used to it I don't
even notice it.
I've got 3 DA's, 1 SA, and one DAO pistol.  The DAO is a little backup 
.380, and I think it is perfectly suited for this task.  For regular 
shooting, I think the traditional DA pistols are perfect for the task, 
for me.  I also think a standard DA is more versatile.
For a standard combat pistol, I think the DA function is perfectly
acceptable, but it is a personal thing.  If you are the kind of person
willing to try to adapt, to different things, I can pretty much say you
will enjoy a DA pistol just fine.
And in case you haven't taken a look at the S&W 909 or 910 series 
pistols, I think you should do so before making a decision.  These are 
some excellent pistols for the money, if you like the ergonomics.
Good luck!
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