RE: taurus 44 mag 4" barrel
Hi rocknrone,
You'll have to decide if you think the extra portability is worth the trade off of the additional sighting radius of the longer barreled gun. The shorter the barrel.....easier to carry.....harder to shoot well. That's the compromise.
When I lived in Alaska a number of years ago my common carry gun was a 4" S&W Model 629. I was willing to trade the better shootability....for the enhanced portability. You'll have to decide which factor is most important to you!
Best of luck,
Dave