I picked up a ruger super Blackhawk in 44mag with the 10 1/2" barrel used. I plan on scoping it to hunt with unless I'm deadly accurate with it with no scope. Now as my N Frames with the 6" & 6 1/2" collection rounds out, I have two left to get, I'm eyeing the 8 3/8" barrels next. I seen the model 17-2 And the 38 special with the 8 3/8" barrels I need to add to my wish list too. Remember I'm a noobie to s&w guns but have owned Colts & mainly rugers for all of my gun owning life. My point is never ever holding a s&w nor ever shooting one the design and balance is like no other handgun I have shot before. Just shooting my.New s&w model 58 has me hooked on s&w n frame revolvers. Well all s&w revolvers. I wish I knew more about the different models and frame sizes in the 357mag's. But I am hooked on the n frames for now. I also have some k frames in 38 special too. But I don't understand why so many shooters miss getting the 8 3/8" barrels?