thanx for the advice, i agree with all the caliber answers, as i don't reload, the .44 would be the way to go. there is something about a 2.5 to 3" shiny '29 that just gets me as i had one with it's brother 19 matched perfect and of course being young and dumb back then sold them both. I'll look for a good 29 which is what i really want anyway. gun shows around here are like the gun show thread i just read! beef jerky, blankets and high/low ball whatever. will have to try some of the auctions online. thanx again.