Be sure to rent different styles AND different calibers. I would think a small framed 357 would fill the bill nicely. But you said you're not into revolvers. If you go auto, you won't have a problem making the size requirements. My suggestion there would be, again, to get the biggest caliber you can shoot well. Alot of guys just can't shoot a 45 worth crap. If you can shoot it well, go that route for sure. The .40S&W might be the right, but if a 9mm is what you can put in the X, that's alot better than shooting the air. Don't shy away from a 45 or 357, some people can handle them without a second thought. Since you've been around guns your whole life you may very well be one of them. (I'm introducing some friends at college to the world of guns, its hilarious!!! A rather big boy was shooting my 870 with trap loads. After the shot two shots he looked flustered..."Wow, I didn't know they kicked like that!" My jaw dropped, buy I was nice and told him he'd get used to it)

One last note, if you *think* you might like a caliber if its was just a little gentle, try finding a gun with another inch or two of barrel. It can make a noticeable difference and actually increases the power on the recieving end of the bullet.

Good luck, and show us what you end up with. We gunnuts never get bored with pictures.