Dave, you have a lot of company here. Basicly, the biggest and yet DUMBEST knock against .44 special is always, "why the .44 special when my .44 mag will do the same and more?" Answer to that is it isnt JUST the caliber, but the guns made for the cartridge. With the exception of the mountain guns, all .44 mags are heavier because of the bigger barrel and longer clyinder. You can load the special up to the lower end of the mag, and probley 98 % of the need for the mag and shots fired can be handled by the special with a lighter and sweeter gun. I guess I like the specials as I have six of em.