re: Help me with a new handgun purchase? (added info)

Yes on the DA/SA.

As for polymer/steel, I sort of prefer steel, but won't rule out a polymer. I have no explanation of why I prefer the steel.

By way of further background - My two prior were a .40 S&W Sigma (original series, circa 1998, oh the horror) and a .357 S&W J-frame. I carried the Sigma for a few years, then it eventually got put away and I sort of lost interest/time for shooting. And I didn't feel the need to carry regularly. I think the SIgma is why I want a steel gun. (But there was nothing wrong with that Sigma. I know it gets a shitty rap, but I always found it to be accurate and easy to shoot. Pulled it out the drawer after 10+ years and put 75 rounds through it without cleaning, with not a single issue.)

I may go get my CCW, so that's why I through in the occasional carry, but I may never end up doing it. SO I see this as more of a home/car/fun shooting gun.

I am also not opposed to .40, but am trying to get my wife involved, and find 9mm (9mm experience limited to Glock and Baretta) and 1911s (experience limited to a Sig and COlt COmbat Commander, a really sweet gun) to be a little less snappy.