Since you don't want a revolver (which I would recommend in .357 or 44mag with a 3-5" barrel), you may want to consider the 10mm in addition to those mentioned above. The recoil is sharp, but not unmanagable if you're not trying to wrap yourfingers around a gun that's too big for your hand. The 10mm is not really popular, but it is very effective, shoots flat,and can be packaged in guns that are not too big.

I'd stay away from the 45GAP. Ballistically, it's really nothing more than a standard pressure 45, andthe GAP isalready operating at it's top pressure, so you can't upgrade to +P ammo when loading up for the woods.If you like the 45, get a single stack 1911 single action or Para's LDA single stack. Their grips are plenty small for all but the tiniest hands.