Go for the Sig P220. I've got my Dad's P220 DA/SA that he was issued by the Texas DPS over 15 years ago. It shoots great, never fails, and is rock solid. The DAK trigger is nice, I've shot both P226's in .357 and P220 Compact in DAK. They've got nice smooth triggers, but I'd go for the P220 in DA/SA. Got to have that single action trigger, if you have to shoot someone, do it with a .45, and Sig wants you business, unlike HK. Take a look at the P220 Compact or Carry, MB did an excellent video review of one of them. And remember DA/SA, not DAK, but if you like DAK, I've been told that a few Troopers have put a world of hurt on people real quick and accurate with their DAK Sigs.
And yes, carry hammer down on a loaded chamber. Hammer doesn't contact the slide unless triggers pulled, and you've got a trigger disconnect in the extremely unlikely event the hammer falls with out a trigger pull, in case your fond of dropping guns. There is no manual safety. P220's safe as Hell and ready to go in a moment's notice.