Well if that's the case, in your shoes I'd make it my goal to obtain a good S&W .44 Magnum - specifically the Model 29, but mainly because I'm partial to that one anyway.They have some great deals on used ones at a local gun store. I can get them at dealer pricing, too.
Out of curiosity, are you from Maryland? I see your location states SLC UT - that's quite a ways from home if you are originally from Maryland - then again, I'm originally from SW Nebraska so...