Replacement for Colt Woodsman?

[Riff]

I have a Colt Woodsman, actually I think it is a First Series pre-Woodsman Target Model, that came to me from my (long since deceased) grandfather. Its S/N is 39XX so it was probably made in 1916. I love carrying it while hunting, plinking with it, etc. It's small and light and shoots better than I do. It was the first gun I ever fired.
 
Carrying it is causing some normal wear and tear, both on the pistol and the holster which grandad made by hand.
 
My girlfriend thinks I should get a 22LR barrel for my Contender, and put the Woodsman away as a family heirloom. I see her point, but like using the gun! I'd rather have a small autoloader than the 22 Contender.
 
So, my question is, is there a moderately priced autoloader 22 that would be a good replacement? Other than Contenders, I know nothing about handguns. So, I 'd be interested in your suggestions.

[Blunderbus]

Riff,

Go to the Browning North America website and have a look at the Buckmark pistols.  Several models have a profile you might be comfortable with. The "Challenge" model in particular might be of interest. Also, the "Micro" models may be worth a look.

I've tried both grip styles and my hand seems to like them both.

Blunderbus

[wolfie6929]

if you are looking for a similar feel and triger the high standard's are probley the closet,now that being said the rugers and the browing's are a lot of gun for a fair price. if you want to live large smith and weason model 41 and the hammerly trailside are very nice.

[Deaf Smith]

or a Ruger 22/45(If you don't care for the grip angle on the std model ruger) Target model same barrel length{5.5}. these guns shoot forever with minumal maintence and are accurate as anything else avaiable bar nine.

[jhm]

If you liked the feel of the colt woodsman try to locate a Iver Johnson Trailsman a friend of mine gave me one a few weeks ago and it is almost a copy of the woodsman, and with a little opening of the magazine lock grove the colts mags work.    JIM

[pastorp]

Riff, Unless your pre-woodsman is in mint condition I would just use it and enjoy it. Take as good a care of it as you can and just shoot it thats what they were made for.

The buckmarks are very accurate guns and I have one, but will feel nothing like the pre-woodsman. Regards, Byron

[Uncle Ji]

I think your Grandad would have prefered you putting the gun to good use instead of it being a "safe queen", and realistically you're not gonna wear it.  Just keep it cleaned after each use, and oil down the holster several times a year to keep it in good shape.  Any natural holster wear on the bluing gives a gun it's unique charactor, and IMHO makes it more a family heirloom.  My 2 cents....

[Riff]

for your advice.

I tried the Buckmarks but thought they were a little big for my hand. I ended up getting a Walther P-22 in a multi-gun deal, so I got a very good price. I shot it a little the other day, and it was OK, but of course that 3.4" barrel doesn't give much sight radius. It may not be a great gun, but it seems like a fun plinker.

So, the Woodsman is going to go into "semi-retirement."  I'll will still use it, but the P-22 will get some use as well...