John Taffin wrote two great books on revolvers Big Bore Revolvers and Big Bore Handguns. I think he wrote a whole book on the .44 too. Anyway, he'd call this 'the perfect packin' pistol' for rural states, at least. Hard to disagree.
Of course I've always been fond of double actions too, and especially Smiths. My 6.5" inch model 29 mostly shoots .44 specials, though it's a mag.