I was apprehensive the first time I shot a .44 mag from all the stories I heard. It was a old Vaquero with Winchester white box .240 grain. After I shot it, I couldn't understand all the hype about .44 mag recoil. I've shot a 5.5 inch Redhawk with rubber grips and the same load and that seems Ok also. Never shot a .44 Smith or Redhawk with wood grips, but would like to try them along with some stouter loads to see how it all stacks up.
BAC, youre not as much of a wimp as charged. There were a number of guys present when we were shooting the .44s, that wouldn't even try it. Now thats' a wimp.