Bill,
Thanks for the excellent tip about holster lining!
As much as I like S&Ws, Colt SAAs are my A#1 Favorite revolvers - and .44 Special is my favorite revolver cartridge - and the 5 1/2" barrel length is my favorite tube length for Colt SAAs!
Most folks are ga-ga over the 4 3/4" bbl length - then choose the 7 1/2" - with the 5 1/2" trailing along as least favorite. IMO, the 5 1/2" has the best balance and handling characteristics in the .44 and .45 - especially when the revolver is fully loaded and sports heavy stag or ivory grips.
xtm