Are you trying to get him ready for this year or not? If not I would wait until next spring and make your decisions. As you already eluded to Indiana is considering switching next year. The DNR is supporting the bill so I assume it will pass. Maybe you already have the .44 but I know a lot of people who went out and bought the .44 and .357 rifles a couple years ago and now they will be buying another rifle if they are allowed next year.