BigJerm:
Have you handled any of the guns mentioned? Do any feel really good in the hand?
There are a lot of compact 9mm's on the market, some known for exceptional reliability and strength.
HK P2000SK
HK P7M8 (P7M10, P7M13)
HK USP Compact
Glock 19
Glock 26
SIG P239
CZ 2075 RAMI
Springfield EMP 9
Para Ordnance PDA 9 LDA
Para Ordnance Carry 9 LDA
Kahr PM9
Kahr MK9
Kahr K9/P9
Kahr CW9
Walther PPS
Taurus Millennium Pro
Rohrbaugh R9/R9S
Kimber Aegis 9mm
STI Rogue, Off Duty, Escort, LS9
If you haven't checked out the Para Ordnance PDA or Carry 9, see what you think. It's essentially a 9mm 1911 variant, with a non-1911, DAO trigger. Longer pull, but smooth as glass. One option, if a traditional 1911-style trigger system doesn't grab you.
If going IWB, thin conceals more easily, too. Kahr's got some thin ones. The Para's are great. The HK P7M8 is a nice package. The CZ, most HK's, SIG, Taurus are all a bit wider.
The HK P2000SK fits wonderfully well in my hand, and it's a great size. For me, though, the only trouble is that I can't generate enough pressure on the mag release to operate it, due to its position and distance from my fingers at normal position. For someone with fingers of normal length, though, it would be great. Were the magazine release in the traditional spot, I'd be sold.
The Para Carry 9 or PDA 9 feel fantastic. The LDA trigger is nice, IMO. While I like the 1911 style trigger, I did not grow up with 1911's and have never carried one. Am personally more comfortable with a non-1911 style trigger. If similar, then the LDA Para's might be a choice. These two are slim and concealable. Only fly in the ointment is how short the frame is. The sharpness of the trailing/bottom corner of the back strap digs sharply into my hand. If I could have that part angled/curved to blend into the hand, it would be a winner.
The Springfield EMP 9 is a dream, in the hand. Very nice. I've seen a couple at the range. The owners rave about them. Have handled one for awhile (all the while, keeping my drool from fouling the grips). If 1911-style format and trigger is your thing, I'd say this is the one to consider. Nice gun. BTW, the Springfield MicroCompact is nearly the same package.
STI makes a fine gun, too. If you play around with a VIP, you might be corrupted forever. Caution. The Rogue is a compact package. The LS9 is very flat.