Yep, I enjoyed that fine story also. Makes me wish I lived out there when...
I have a .44 Maggie but she's a bit too large for me, generally speakin', so I bought a model 696 L-frame. The K-sized grips with the L-frame fit my hand size better than the N-frames.
I'm mostly shooting paper these days, just for fun, so I don't have a need to load my 240's any higher than 900 or 1000 fps. Could do less, I suppose, but I like a little power when I shoot.
The 696 is a very nice-sized gun. I'm very happy with it, even though I have quite a few larger-caliber handguns.
It's small enough so that I'm now looking for a decent IWB leather or horsehide holster for it, so I can carry it CCW. It's small enough for that, I think, even here in Florida.
Good day, folks
Sonny