Was the grip really that small. (I had the same response though). You could use some sort of wrappable material on the smith grip. Or get a different grip like slider says. The Pac grips that come the new ones are a little thin but unless you have HUGE hands I'd think the other factors would outway that.
I've got a smith. Still wouldn't mind a slightly beefier grip but like I said, if the smith qualifies in all,(or the most), other catagories...no contest. 44mag is a commitment not to be sold. Get the one that requires the least of you in terms of modifications or compromises.