OK, 29aholic, now you get me thinking lots of questions (especially because of your picture)
that I must have answered.
Here goes:

1) Are those Herret wood grips? I have had this type on 357 k frames and liked these,
but not a 44 or other large N frame. I normally use pachmayrs (ugly rubber but comfortable
for alot of shooting). Your opinion of Herret grips on a 44? Looks like these have seen alot
of use?

2) Five inch barrels. Had one once on a Colt 38 and a S&W 45. Loved both. Have looked for one on a 44 for years but rare and very high priced. I have owned 4, 6, 6-1/2 and 8-3/8
in 44s. Still have 4, 6 and 6-1/2. I have alwasy wondered about how a five would be on
a 44 (you know in a perfetct world where a five was the same price as the others)
Your opinion on the five?
You had it cut down? Was it worth the cost and would you do it again?

3) So in the darkest of times you were always a 44 man. In the darkest of times, I was
always a 357 man (giving up 38. 45 and 44 only when necessary). Curious as to you reasons
as to why you chose that way.

Ok, you've got me thinking alot of thoughts here, Great talking with you