my hand from wrist to tip of middle finger is 7.25"
3.25 of that is my middle finger
3.25 is also the width at the base of the fingers
my hands aren't all that large. Its why I can find decent deals on USP9c's but don't buy them....
I forgot about the 250 subcompact. and the 320 carry
though, the 320's are probably more than I am looking to spend
I feel like the slides on them are a bit...large..for no apparent reason.
I kinda dig the 229 in 9mm, but its a bit bigger than I would want to carry I think.
Measurements mean nothing to me really as far as trying to help you. I've never measured my hand. I'm usually a medium in most hand items like gloves, etc. It also depends what type of ergo's you prefer. For example, the Sig 227 has a bit of a shorter and beefier grip, while the M&P45 has a bit taller and thinner of a grip.
Sig has a slighter higher bore axis because of the design... ie the slide is "taller". Not sure if that's what you mean by large.
229 is probably too big to conceal carry comfortably. An ex of mine carried that OWB for her military duty, and I can't imagine carrying my m&p9 any more.
Have you considered compact 9mm 1911's? Fairly rare and you might spend more than you want, but they are definitely something I would consider carrying if you're into cocked & locked and enjoy the 1911 platform.
Otherwise, my vote goes for M&P9c if you're on a budget, but their are plenty of others you definitely should go handle (Kahr, Ruger, Walther, etc). Otherwise, if you are able to spend more, that opens up some other options.
Do you strongly prefer striker fired vs something with a hammer?