Semi-auto forays into the big leagues can approximate .44 magnum power levels but can be awkward and sometimes lack the capacity advantages that make semis stand out in more moderate, everyday chamberings.
As an owner of several magnum semi auto pistols, I have disagree with part of this. I'll give you the "awkward" part, because awkward is in the eye (and hands) of the individual shooter. Personally, I find the S&W X-frames to me more awkward than any of my semis. And that's
without mounting a scope.
"Approximate .44 Magnum power" should be "match or exceed .44 Magnum power". I have semi autos in .44 Magnum (& .357 Magnum). That's not "approximate".
.44AMP (Auto Mag Pistol) exceeds .44Magnum, if loaded all the way up, and with 44mag loads can deliver 100fps more than the revolver round. And the .45WinMag is right up there too. While I don't have one, the .475 Wildey also surpasses the .44 Magnum by a significant amount. Granted these are not common cartridges, but restricting oneself to what is common is a personal decision.
"Capacity advantage"...this is where I have to disagree most. As far as I'm concerned, capacity "advantage" is only an advantage when you are shooting things that might shoot back. I see no advantage to a gun that holds 1, 3, or 8 more than a revolver for HUNTING and recreational shooting.
Every magnum semi auto I know holds at least 6 in the magazine, and most hold 7 or 8. People who claim 7, 8 or 9 rounds of .44magum power (plus, if desired) isn't sufficient capacity simply baffle me. Especially when they also think that the 6 (or sometimes 5) in a revolver is enough.
For me, the main advantage of a semi auto magnum over a revolver is the grip shape (and weight) of the magnum semi turn .44Mag+ recoil into something far less punishing than even the best revolver grips. The downside to this is that the semi grips are huge, too big for smallest hands, and so making the pistol very awkward to handle for some people.
The most awkward feeling gun I've handled recently was at a gun show a couple of weeks ago. Someone had turned a Ruger Redhawk into a snubnose, with a very small rubber grip. Except for the comfort of the rubber, it had the fine balance of a cast iron frypan. In other words, ALL the weight was felt to be well infront of the hand, and the weight was considerable and not comfortable in the slightest.
Revolvers aren't going away any time soon. I've got over a dozen, and mine aren't going anywhere. They may be antique outdated technology to some folks, but you know, you can still get saddles for horses, too, and I think, overall, more people own revolvers than horses...