I'm looking for a .44 myself, so glad you asked...

I've yet to check them out but I'm leaning towards that Taurus vs. the ruger, both have around the 4" barrel, the taurus is ported, not sure the ruger is.

So unless there is something I don't like about the Taurus that's the one I plan to get.

I know everyone is crazy about S&W, but I'm not crazy about them just yet...plus at twice the price? I like that it's American made.

I was looking at the 4" for sidearm protection while bowhunting in grizzly country, for hunting...I think I like that Ruger...from what I've seen/read.