For the purposes you laid out any of the options offered so far would work well. Personally the 5.5 inch flattop Ruger Bisley in 44 Special seems perfectly suited for deer, hogs and woods bumming. Load a 429421 or H&G503 over 7.5 grains of Unique, go forth and enjoy.
Agree wholeheartedly...
The Ruger Bisley Flat Top in 44 Special is the about the only handgun that I regret letting go (and I have turned quite a few).
The only caveat is that it is a reloaders proposition.
Jerry
