I have had my M58 for almost 40 years, and carried it as my first service weapon. I think the cartridge has way too much going for it to be so limited in popularity.

However, I will admit that there is ONE advantage to the .44 for me - factory shotshells. I live in an area that has buzztails in most of the best hiking locations, and while they can generally be avoided and I wish them no ill as long as they out away from residential areas, if I were to go hiking, my 629-4 would almost certainly be the choice to carry. (I have 3 4" N frame, and the first choice holster for all of them is my Kramer MSP paddle. Second would be my Safariland 070 duty holster on a duty belt.)

__________________
NHI, 10-8.