I lug around a 3 inch model 625 all day, weight is nothing compared to my duty belt I wore for 15 years that weighed 28 pounds. I do not think a 5" barrel N frame will be any worrse than my 3" N frame.

As far as ammunition for the 44-40 I just purchased a but load of 44-40 john wayne JSP ammunition that produces 900 fps and 350footlbs of enerrgy. That is equil to a 44 special and 45 acp.

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M.J.Hanna