I have a 6" Anaconda in brushed stainless which I got back before prices went completely nuts. It's in excellent condition, but is most definitely a shooter, and is one of my favorite guns to just take out whenever - particularly when I need a little recoil therapy. Here it is with my levergun when I was doing some informal testing a couple years back:
That said, all of the Rugers and Smiths I've ever shot in .44 were fine guns, and I'd have no qualms about going with one of them.
Jim
Re: Favorite 44 mag revolver.
26James Downey
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/ - handgun cartridge research
http://www.stcybiswell.com/ - my latest novel
http://www.legacybookbindery.com/ - my professional site
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/ - handgun cartridge research
http://www.stcybiswell.com/ - my latest novel
http://www.legacybookbindery.com/ - my professional site