I suggest the 6" 629, SKU #163606, as a great example of a suitable .44 Magnum. As the latest run of the 629, it has the benefit of all of the endurance enhancements S&W has developed for this model. The round-butt gripframe also permits the use of the excellent recoil-absorbing S&W/Hogue .460/.500 Magnum grips, shown below, which pad the metal backstrap. Additionally, removing one screw takes the rear sight off, exposing three drilled and tapped holes for mounting a scope rail, such as the Weaver-mount Weigand example below, sporting a Weaver H2 2x28mm handgun scope.
If you do literally need a .44 Magnum for 'backup', ie, close in use, the 4" 629, SKU #163603, is also available. I have both - they share the same sized hammer, trigger, sights (Orange ramp front; white outline rear.), etc - and mine both have those X-frame grips, like below, installed. The 4" is 4 oz lighter - at 41.5 oz. The 629 Mountain Gun, when available, is lighter - 39.5 oz, has smaller hammer & trigger, and black/black sights, as well as a tapered barrel and chamfered cylinder. I had a 629MG for years and now prefer the standard 4" model, mainly due to the sight and trigger.
As for commercial ammo, I am told that the Remington/UMC L44MG7, a hyper fast 180gr JSP, is a great hog round. Others say the more reasonable, in cost and recoil, MagTech 44A, a 240gr SJSP, is more than sufficient. I no longer hunt, so I can only speak to their relative recoil... that Rem./UMX 180gr is a hefty kicker with wood grips - subdued considerably in recoil (Not muzzle rise!) by those Hogue/S&W X-frame grips. Those ammos are easily had here, I am not familiar with the European fare.
Whichever .44 Magnum you get, it will be a great .44 Special 'plinker' during the off months - just clean the chambers well before shooting .44 Magnums again.
Stainz