I liked the VP9 looks quite a bit better. I dont think it felt quite as good in the hand but it was still pretty great but the Steyr I shot side by side with the VP9. Id shoot a mag through one and then the other. Its pretty close but the Steyr was a bit better. I liked the vp9 a lot. I cant say there was anything I didnt like. A small amount snappier than the steyr but not by much. This being said both are great. Its which feels better to you really.

I would practice shooting the Beretta PX4 Compact until I was shooting the pistol with ease. A hammer pistol is not difficult to shoot once you practice.

It has been my experience that a local gun shop is the best solution to actually handling firearms before you purchase. Unless this advice is coming from someone your exact weight and build, the point is mute. Definitely not trying to be funny, but a 6'5 ft bruizer's carry choice/advice will not work for a 5.8 foot person and vice versa. Just get to a local shop and your body will instinctively let you know what's most comfortable for you.

see if you can find a range that rents gun try everything and then buy what you like best

Video- youtube.com/watch?v=B4EYUsB6wBc

4" is still compact. Something easy to use. Try a glock 19 or Sig 2022 9mm. budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/14902/Sig+Sauer+E2022-9-BSS+P2022+15%2B1+9mm+3.9