I like your username. My wife and I just went through this last week. I had previously owned several different 229s, and it is one of my most favorite handguns. We also have been away from shooting for several years.

We narrowed it down to the X Compact and the 229 after shooting a 320 Compact and the Sig 365XL in the same range session. We really liked the 365XL, but the 320 Compact was such a soft shooting and accurate gun, especially for my wife.

We ended up going with both the X Compact and the 229. They are very similar in that they are both very accurate and reliable. They are also pretty close in size, with the 229 having a slightly longer barrel and slide.

We are closing in on hitting the 1000 round mark for each one, and we have not had a hint of a problem. The only thing that has been done to them is the initial strip, clean and lube.

Finally, as others have already mentioned, CDNN is a good source for the CPO's, but they also have the 229 Elite Custom new for 629$. That is the one we picked up, and I am really happy with it to say the least. Here is a link for what CDNN is currently showing for their Sigs:

https://www.cdnnsports.com/fir...facturer=SIG%20SAUER

For the X Compact, we were lucky enough to get one from fellow forum member DaBigBR. He posted earlier in this thread. He is a great guy to work with, and I can definitely recommend him as a stand up guy.

Anyways, have fun, and of course come back and show us what you end up with. Good luck and let us know if you have any specific questions about buying online. It really is a pretty easy thing to do. Big things on your part are picking your FFL and getting their information to the vendor, and then getting your payment to the vendor. Doing both of those quickly will usually get you off to a good start.

Thanks for the in depth info an yeah I remember watching The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and loved that show as kid. Just thought it was a cool name. Everyone here has been a big help as the two guns will be my first handgun purchase in what seems like forever. Its been 40 years. I was shocked as to how cheap a new P229 Elite is on CDNN. As I have mentioned, my local FFL has a used 229 and they want 900.00 for it. So, CDNN will get the business on the 229. Just have to figure if I go new or CPO but the new price is outstanding. Thanks agin for all of your info and help!

Just my .02: I think your solution would be to buy a red box 229, put the E2 grip and a short trigger on it; and buy a 320 Carry with the small grip, and get a straight trigger. For the price of a new 229 you will have a couple of excellent weapons.
I share your hand measurements, I have wide strong hands with shorter fingers, the combo above worked perfectly with me, I actually have 2 229s, and they use the short trigger, the straight trigger on the 320 worked perfectly for me, I put one on my 365 and it made ALL the difference. I only use 12 round mags with the 365.

I vote X-Compact.
It comes with the Medium grip module and folks with smaller hands rave about them.
And the P320 overall design is fantastic.

If P320 and Glock both hit the US market at the same time in 1984, you would not hear much about Glock today.

Here's a pretty one with a Gray Guns grip module.

I also have smallish hands. I can manage the P229, but it is the thicker Of the two.

P320 X-Compact will Probably feel better and provide more options. The “medium” X-series grips are smaller around then the standard medium grips, like another post said, they have flatter sides.

I have X-Carry and X-Compact grips and they are perfect. A “small” regular grip module may be a little smaller, but I prefer the X-series grips

I have a SigP229 Classic Carry (legacy slide, no rail - more on the P228 frame)and a P320X Carry with a Romeo1. While both shoot accurately, if I do my job, and both eat anything I give them, I find myself 'playing' with the P229 much more - and its my daily carry (versus the pre-Romeo1 P320). For some reason it feels better, obviously more substantial, and while I can't complain about the P320 longevity, the P229 feels like it will last forever.

I went to the LGS today as they were to have the 320 in today and they have not seen it yet. I found a new 229R 9mm on CDNN for 629.00 which is 120.00 more than the CPO 229. So now it seems I will have the 229 first and hope the 320 comes in.