Very good advice already given above.
I also carry the S&W .44 Magum model 29-2 in the 6 1/2" barrel.
Other options to consider in the S&W .44 Magnum lines are the model 629 Mountain Gun introduced in 1993 with a 4" barrel and model 629 Backpacker introduced in 1994 with a 3" barrel.
Other good gun for carry thats not a .44 Magnum is the S&W .41 Magmum model 57 origionally introduced in 1964 with 4" barrel but also models 57-1 1982, 57-2 1988, 57-3 1990 and 57-4 1993.
The .41 Magnum has good knock down power but less recoil than the .44 Magnum.



Ernie