Bmcgilvray, you are right on target. The old .44 Special Smiths are very special in their own right, for reasons you mention. They have their own esthetic appeal, and feel. That's reason enough for seeking them out and collecting them. We all do it and understand the thought process. My earlier comments were about the practical, utilitarian aspects of having one fine gun that will do it all, as a 29 will. But having one gun which will do that is not how I end up having more than several dozen S&Ws. And that's today. I know full well that in a couple months, or years, the drawer will be more crowded. And I will not be less happy.