An explanation of WHY the .44 Special is chosen by some over the .44 Magnum might be in order. I also feel sorry for you, but you need not live uninformed any longer.
First of all, the weight and balance of the respective guns chambered for both are totally different. The cylinders of the .S&W 44 Specials (except these late ones, which use the same cylinder as the .44 Magnum) are shorter and lighter, as are the Special's barrels (they are trimmer and lighter, also). This makes for easier guns to carry, and even makes some lighter than comparable .357's on the "L" frame. Unless you NEED the power of the .44 Mag, why haul extra weight around? (How many of us truly run around in bear country, or get to down a mule deer at 600 yards, right?
) Add the fact that a gun just MIGHT shoot better with cylinders and chambers correctly chambered for the cartridge (hence, .44 Special ammo maybe not performing as well in .44 Mag guns as they do in the Specials) and you have another reason. If you only need, want, or can afford just one gun, then by all means get a .44 Mag. But if you handload, or like a truly well balanced, packable revolver, or just like the nostalgia and worthy reputation of the "lil" .44 Special, why not give it a try? If you carry it all day, and shoot one for awhile, they kind of grow on you.