Originally Posted by Dan Christopher

It's a matter of personal capability. If you can handle a 44 Magnum, there's no reason to buy a 44 Special revolver. Same goes for 357 Magnum and 38 Specials.

Magnums afford you the ability to shoot either magnums or specials, if you choose. If you buy a revolver built for specials only, then specials are all you can shoot. If specials are what you can handle, buy a special. If you can handle magnums, there's no reason to buy a special...unless you just want one for the sake of having it.