What model 44? Currently I’m carrying a 7 1/2” bbl Vacquero. Sure do miss the Smith Model 29 with 4” bbl. The Vacquero weighs a ton, seems like. Accurate though.
I carry a Ruger Redhawk with a 5.5 inch barrel. I wanted a double action which is why I didn’t go for a Blackhawk. I had no intention of using it for hunting so the 7.5 inch and the 9.5 inch barrels were unnecessary and would make it a pain to pack/carry and to draw. I liked the Ruger because those things are built like tanks - they are if anything overbuilt being thicker, using more steel and a bit heavier than is actually necessary. This makes them rugged as hell. Good.