in the new classic series. Have to give background: I have a Smith Model 10 and some other guns and basically inexperienced having just got back into guns 2 years ago. I just go to the outdoor range and shoot targets and plink. No CCW, no home defense wishes, no competitive shooting. I am 65 and want to shoot and have some nice quality, attractive guns for the next few years. Anyway, in the 2008 SW catalog I first learned about the classic series and saw that they will be selling a Model 25 in 45 Colt this year. I set my heart on one in nickel. I had also seen that in the 2008 catalog they have introduced a Model 24 in 6.5" barrel in 44 Special. I sort of wanted that because it is a different caliber gun I do not have. Haven't seen these two yet but told they will be available before the end of the year if in catalog, which they are. So, I was pricing them, etc and waiting for this certain dealer to possibly get one or the other when they are available. (I know I am wordy, bear with me.) So, here in Iowa I happened to go in a sporting goods store today and the dealer has a SW Classic Series Model 21 in nickel for $599 plus the Iowa 7% tax. The tag has this listed as "AS NEW." I think with this dealer that means it is not new from SW but someone sold it to them as an unfired gun. The box, etc all comes with it. So, I got home and checked on this and it is only listed as NEW Product in 2007 catalog and is no longer available from the company. It has a 4" barrel and seems to be a bit heavy in the cylinder area but I am used to my Ruger New Vaquero with a 7" barrel. Now, I think this gun is a pretty good price because the SW 2007 catalog MSRP is $972. I have never had a 44 special gun before so how does that compare to 45 colt which I dearly love. I also love my 4" Model 10 in 38 Special from 1976. What reason would I not buy this gun in favor of waiting for a Classic Model 25 in 45 Colt or a Classic Model 24 in 44 Special. Both of the latter guns, 25 and 24 have 6.5" barrels. So, tell me any and all you want about the caliber, the barrel length, the balance issues, the price of the gun. Thanks so much for letting me go on and on. I think I have to move fast on this because I do not think that gun will be there long.