Of the two choices I’d probably go with the Smith. Truth is I believe very few people shoot their 44’s enough to wear them out. I assume that your son doesn’t already have a 44 that gets carried regularly or semi-regularly. It should serve him well.
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain