Well, S&W 24/624, are the second and third ways about it, of course. The extra round in the cylinder is a great plus...but the extra pound or more, makes them a P.I.T.A.to carry (but with more manageable recoil at nitty gritty time)...Point is, for a wheel gun, the .44Spl. is the cartridge to go with for those that can handle it. (my 5’2” 120lb. wife has no problem with it at all). All 3 platforms are functionally equivalent and formidable.
Glad you responded, I usually just get a snicker from the inexperienced, ill informed, magnum! magnum! crowd. Thanks!
Keep the Faith.
At 6’3”, 240 lb., I don’t find the 3” m.24 a PITA to carry. Mostly not even aware of it. Became enamoured with the .44 spcl as it was my granpappy’s favorite. Been messing around with a 4” m.25 in lc and thinking about getting a 3”. The 45 LC hand loaded and in the N frame is a potent solution. I can carry it with a couple of speedloaders and not be disadvantaged. I don’t go where I would need a fifteen shot auto with 4 spare mags. If I did I wouldnt be armed with only a pistol. The fact is one has to find out what works for them. Then practice, practice, practice and live with it. Peace be with you, brother.