I know this is an older thread...but I thought I'd chime in.

Like the OP, I'm not all that old (41). I honestly have zero reason to own a 44...I don't hunt, I don't backpack in a place that has large dangerous game.

...but I own a 4" 629 nonetheless. Like everyone is saying, thee's just something about a 44 magnum that is just a joy to shoot. To me, its that threshold of pain/pleasure where it will definitely smack you in the hand...but not a level like the larger calibers will punish you. 44 spcl is a joy to shoot in a N-frame and I honestly cannot wait until I finally get into reloading, 44 magnum is massively versatile and can customized in so many ways. Add a lever action in 44 magnum and you have a set so versatile, there's little you can't do with it.

Me? I target shoot with mine on occasion when I want that hand-thumper range session, and I'm always happy when I do.