It's up to every man to chose what he wants to do with his guns, of course, but if I was going to buy a gun to tinker with and customize, I'd pick a Glock or a 1911...aftermarket accessories abound for them.

The SDVE was designed as a no-frills, basic, SELF DEFENSE weapon that functions reliably and well out of the box...it's not a target pistol. The trigger isn't like the trigger on a 1911, but it wasn't designed to be. It is actually lighter and smoother than the DA pull on many revolvers I have owned, as well as some DA/SA pistols (like SIGs and Ruger P-series.) I like a heavier trigger pull on a pistol with no external safety...that IS the safety. (That, and me, of course.)

While a lot of people have successfully modified their SDVEs, there are a number of people who have malfunctions after so doing...and, once modified, the lifetime warranty is invalidated. Some mods, like changing the sights, guide rod assembly, and take down lever won't affect the warranty...and the guide rod and take down lever are easily reversible should a problem arise, necessitating a trip to S&W.

Personally, I won't mess with the fire control group on the SDVE series. I've considered it, but if I want a gun with a "better" trigger (subjective definition) then I'll buy one designed that way. If you are focused on the trigger, there is no gun better than a 1911, IMO.

Of course, all this is just my opinion, which when paired up with a few dollars might get you a cup of coffee at a Starbucks. No muffins or anything else, though.