I'll be the wimp in the thread. You may want to try a rental before buying. I've shot .44 Magnum in Smith's, Rugers, and Dan Wessons. Even in the DW, at a full 48 ounces unloaded, full house magnums fired double action are downright unpleasant. Single actions, like the Super Blackhawk, are a lot more manageable, Figure a combination of a grip that plunges down in recoil combined with less muscles in motion at ignition. A thumb buster might be the best choice if a big bore revolver is the goal. Too, short of grizzly, there are also quite a few cartridges that have a good record of self- defense against North American dangerous game. YMMV of course...