I don't know of any Smith & Wesson revolvers that have a bad reputation, really. The problem children all seem to be automatics.
I have heard that the Model 19's (K-frame 357's) used to have a problem with forcing cones cracking, but since they can now make J-frame 357's, that problem is probably fixed.
There have been people who say Model 12's (aluminum K-frame 38 Special) have problems with frames cracking, but that seems to be a subject of some dispute. Oddly, though, I don't remember hearing that about the Airweight J-frame 38's.
And the rare, oddball, K-frame in .22 Jet (Model 53? You're on a computer, you look it up) apparently had problems with cylinders locking up or cases being hard to eject. That assumes you could find some .22 Jet to shoot in it, though.
Personally, I would not get a 44 Magnum, but that is only because the one time I fired an N-frame 44 Magnum, I could feel it in my wrist for 2 or 3 days afterward. The guns are fine, but my joints aren't up to the strain. And if you're going to shoot 44 Special loads, why not get a 44 Special?