I have a S&W Model 29 (6inch barrel) and a Freedom Arms in .454.
I love both guns, but the 'fun' one, by far and away, is the Smith because while I'm not usually susceptible to recoil (I do not flinch), the FA.454 gets to me after awhile. It administers a real pounding, at least for me. I can put a few hundred rounds thru my Smith with no problem, and enjoy the day. Plus, if you're going to reload, you need to make sure the jacketed projectiles you use for the .454 reloads are NOT for 45-colt...the high pressures will sometimes blow core from jacket and leave the copper jacket in your bore. Beware ! This is extremely hazardous ! Make sure you have correct components for the .454 Casull Magnum. I have found that the Freedom Arms does not shoot
45colt as accurately as .454 casull...I don't have the .45 colt cylinder so maybe it's better with the conversion. If you do not reload, you'll immediately see the difference between Remington .44 Mag 240 grain flat points and anything else factory loaded for .454 casull magnum. BIG price difference.
Last, the Freedom arms revolver is lots more dough than the Smith...not really a factor, but when all things are considered, I might actually sell my FA and go for something else...maybe a Ruger Flattop and leftover cash in hand...hehehe...




Personal preferences:
Handgun hunting is usually a close-range (50 yards or so) affair. This was always due to the limitations of handgun ammunition. Now, it's due to my aging 50-year-old computer-strained eyes.

I prefer to carry my sidearm in a hogleg. If I have to scope it, I can't put it in a hogleg and I might as well just take my rifle...especially if I'm looking to 'reach out and touch something' where optics would come in handy.

It's just me...but I'd get the 'Smith...