I guess the first thing is to get to the 'size' thing on a Ruger vs Smith. The Ruger is a larger frame not becasue of IC, but because it was designed AFTER the N frame Smith and Ruger took advantage of a modern design and the Smith 29 design goes back a 100 years or so. That said, there is little difference in strength between the two IF you shoot standard factory loads.
I have a Ruger Alaskan in .44M AND a S&W 629 Mountain Gun and the MG is a couple ounces lighter and a little trimmer, but I carry the Ruger more often. Why? I like the feel better and I think it handles the recoil better. IMHO, the lighter barrel of the MG increases muzzel flip and as near as I can tell, there is not much difference in muzzle flash between the two.
If you decide to purchase an Alaskan, I don't think you will dissapointed. One other thing to keep in mind, the standard 4" 629 and the Alaskan are close to the same weight and if I had it to do over again, I would have gotten the standard version 629 with the heavier barrel.
