All this may be academic to you, if you use many models and styles already, or have very specific performance requirements.
So considering real effectiveness, after reviewing spktyr's posts [http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1599133/posts?q=1&&page=101], my parting shot here is in consideration of what really, really works.
A long barreled .357 works pretty well in the field, and ranch. It only holds 6 or perhaps 7 rounds. Resupply not particularly improbable. Pack o' dogs, whatever, you may be in trouble, but this may be offset by less muzzle rise, good for repeat fire. The .44 works well even with a shorter barrel, because it is simply larger, heavier, in relation to desired effect upon the "target." May require less rounds expended for desired result. Much bigger, heavier instrument, though. Such is life.
I expect the 10mm Auto to gain popularity since Glock has apparently made a reliable pistol, according to reports from users. However, no snakeshot, rare ammunition (so far), and all the liabilities of a semi-auto vs. a revolver.
Enjoy the free lunch.
Doubt that the 10mm is going to gain popularity. It'll hang around as a niche cartridge for people wanting something a little different, but its opportunity to really hit it bigtime has come and gone. Glock 20 is a nice gun, but the grip is too large for many people(same problem as Glock's hi-cap .45ACP.)
Thanks for all your advice. Not only yourself, but many here, as expected seemed to have the knowledge I was looking for.
After going through and reading all the responses, it seems as though I failed to include more specifics. I should have know better given the cast array of choices on the market for handguns.
As mentioned initially the choice was between the S&W and Taurus .44 or 357, 4 or 6 inch barrel.
Many have been advising on semi-auto's. I did purchase what I thought was a good choice, given what I had to choose from in the small local gunshop, a model 1911 Colt .45
I bought it along with 2 boxes of ammo, took it out for some practice, and halfway through the second box it locked up. Not just a mere jam, it LOCKED up to the point I couldn't do anything with it. I took it directly back to the shop were even the gunsmith couldn't immediately figure out what happened.
Whether it's a firearm or anything else, when something brand new screws up under normal use I loose faith in it and will choose something else. Fortunately the gunshop gave me a full refund, no questions and nothing else he had interested me.
Recently there has opened up here a Bass Pro Shop with a nice gun selection. Having had bad luck with a semi, I decided on a good ole simple and reliable revolver.
As others advised before, me being in humid Florida, I already knew the Stainless models were also the route to take.
S&W definately has the name, but the like Taurus models seemed almost indistinguisable outside of the grips. S&W definately felt better, but while the Taurus didn't feel bad it was also much cheaper in price. Plus they had a model that held 8 rounds.
Size. I'm trying to find that middle ground were I can have something that packs and draws well, as well as one that gives better accuracy.
Snubbies pack well but aren't accurate whereas the 6" is most accurate but doesn't pack well enough. I think I've decided on the 4".
After long and carefull consideration, I believe I'm going with the S&W 4" Stainless 357