Love Mine
Rob:
All kinds of people will write in to tell you that Taurus is absolute junk. Don't believe them.
I've owned a Raging Bull 44 mag with the 8" barrel for several years now. Love shooting it at the range and have taken whitetail deer with it.
I did have to have the cylinder spring replaced but they sent it to me free and it was easy to install.
I paid $450 for mine, and put another $200 into a mount and a scope.
When I take it out of the bag at the range I get all kinds of great reactions, the best one being "What kind of devil gun is that."
It's the only 44 mag I have ever shot so I can't compare the recoil from first hand experience, but I've read and heard that the ported barrel really makes a difference in the recoil.
I'd say go for it.
Live well, be safe
Prof Young