Alan,
When I was looking for both of the 44 mag handguns I bought during the past two years, I looked for used ones rather than new ones. Why? Because in the past I'd seen so many "used" 44 mag handguns that were like new.
You may ask why this is so.
I found out that there are usually one or two 44 mags in any gunstore's display case that were bought by someone who'd never shot a 44 mag before. This newbie then proceeds to buy one box of factory ammo and go to the range. After firing 1 or 2 cylinders full through said gun, he brings it back to the store for either a trade in or a consignment sale.
My last two were a Smith model 29-5, 6" in like new condition and a 3" Taurus M44 that was, for all intents and purposes, a new gun. That last one may have had all six rounds fired through it or it may not have had that many. It looked as if it had just come from the factory.
By the way, I reload and have a very accurate and comfortable load with 5.4 gr. of Bullseye under a 240gr. cast bullet that I can shoot all day out of either gun. On the other hand, when I touch off a full-house load in the 3" Taurus, I know why it was traded in with very little wear and tear.
Why do I say all this? It's to recommend that you follow advice that was already given in this thread and load some mild range ammo and enjoy your new 44 mag. But, once in a while, practice with the full-house loads. This cartridge will earn your respect.
Nazman44