The trigger on my RB is excellent. When I first got it the trigger was pretty good. I had a problem with the cylinder as the brass would stick with factory loads. I sent it back to Taurus and they fixed the problem, while there, they did a complete action job for free. This is one smooth gun now. With a scope I can keep 5 shots inside of 1.5" at 50yds.

The S&W would be a good gun, but just don't try to load it too warm, they are kind of fragile with reapeated heavy loads.

What I see as the main difference with the double action over the single action is really only the speed at which you can reload. I used to carry s/s Ruger Bisley Vaquero's in 45 Colt for my bush carry, but now use a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 Casull mostly for the speed in which I can reload it. I really like the extra power of the 454 but in most cases don't need it.

Hey buddy,
I think the 44 mag is a fine choice. I have a Ruger super blackhawk with a 7.5" bbl. It is a fine shooter. With a good hard cast bullet, I think 100 yds. is a fair distance, but 50-80 is probably more reasonable. Look into that ruger, mine is stainless and a real looker at $438. Good luck!

Well, it seems you are getting a lot of good advice here, so let me add my 2 cents worth.

I recommend the Ruger SRH in 480. I own one with a 7 1/2" barrel and reload for it as well. This was my first big bore pistol and I couldn't be more thrilled. I have consistently shot 1 1/2" groups at 50 yards from the bench. I have had this weapon for 3+ years now and have no intention of buying another big bore pistol. It is much more pleasant to shoot than the 454 yet rates right at 29 on the Taylor Knockout Scale with factory 325 gr rounds, which is more than enough for anything on the north american continent for hunting purposes. The 7 1/2" barrel is a little long for use as a defensive weapon on something like Alaska brown bear, but I hear that Ruger is coming out with a 2 1/2" in version for this purpose. Check out the following link for a very good article and data for the 480. As well, do a search here for PaulH's data, he has done extensive work with this pistol and also rates it very high. Hope this helps you in your decision. http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0BTT/154_25/77824414/p1/article.jhtml?term=480+ruger