I don't think using the grand old 44/40 , aka .44 WCF as a duty weapon is a logical choice. I doubt many police chiefs would allow it as a primary weapon today. First , there's not much in the way of suitable ammo. There's a 200gr JSP and various flat point cast bullet 'cowboy' loads. Plus , most factory ammo is held down due to the large number of black powder era guns still in use. The S&W 544 , though a good N-frame gun , is not up to hot handloads because the case shape and size make for some thin cylinder walls. Brass is also rather weak. You'd have to buy/carry your own ammo , which is sometimes hard to find and the 200gr JSP is very expensive , and if ya run out in a social engagement , other officers ammo won't help.

OTOH , A like-chambered lever action carbine is always a cood companion to a sixgun. And there's several good copies of the Win 92 out there.


The main reason the .44 Special became more popular is that it was usually more accurate out of later sixguns like the S&W Triple Lock. Bore and cylinder throat size vary widely in 44-40 guns.