PA redneck,

I'm a big fan of handgun hunting and do a fair amount of it. Of the 2 revolvers you have listed I would recommend you go with the .44 mag.

My personal choice is the Contender/Encore. It is the most versatile handgun/rifle system out there. You can put on lets say a super 14 7-30 Waters barrel for deer hunting and for practice you can install a .22 rimfire super 14 barrel and go after squirrels, tin cans and paper. The weight, balance and trigger would be the same. GREAT PRACTICE!!

One thing I’d like to also point out. A handgun is great fun to hunt with but is a very poor choice on moving game. If your looking to drive deer the handgun is your last choice.