Bear, thanks for that detailed advice. I do not reload right now but it is something I plan to get into. I pretty much have settled on getting a Ruger of some sort. They are affordable, practical, and still some what historical for my taste. With 95% of my trips being in the South, a .357 should do fine. But I didn't realize Ruger brought back the .44 Special Flat Top. If that uses the old Colt sized frame, I may look into it as well.