The Smith is a good choice, although I prefer Rugers. My SS Bisley Hunter in .44 mag is maybe my very favorite handgun - and easily the most accurate. Great trigger when I got it, and I got it used. I have a 2X Weaver on it, but also like the Ruger rings and mount system that allow the scope to be removed and returned without having to re-sight it.
.44 mag is my favorite cartridge, but I reload with heavy hard cast at 1000 fps or less. My handgun hunting is for hogs, mostly. For deer I'd use a JSP or JHP of 240grs or so and a little more velocity.
