I have a 4 5/8" Stainless Blackhawk in 45colt. With the Houge Monogrip on it is very controllable. The Ruger is much stronger than the S&W and will last longer with heavy use.
My vote is for the Ruger.

Which would you choose? I guess the BH can reliably push a 300 gr at 1250 fps and the Smith 1050 fps (as per Linebaugh - thanks onty). 45 colt, of course...

As I see it, the BH wins on price, weight, power, and strength. The only advantage of the Smith is the DA, which is a fairly significant advantage potentially. Your thoughts...

Not going with a 44 - I want (another) 45.

For me, no contest. S&W, because it fits my hand and doesn't flip up in my hand when fired, rather my hand and arm rise, with the revolver still in firing position. However, I prefer a 29 to a 25.

Someone who finds the fit of the Ruger to his hand acceptable would probably prefer the Ruger; the difference in power of the ammo is obvious in .44 and .45 both.

just picked up one of the new mountain guns and its a beauty (with the exception of the stupid key lock) Love my rugers but theres just something about a 4 inch n frame that floats my boat.

Smith and Wesson has a run of the 625 mountain guns available now. They are a 4" light contour barrel. If you want a Smith--- it is a good time to get one, these will not be available for too long.

The 45 Ruger can push a 360 grain bullet 1200 fps and be under 30,000 PSI's. I am pushing a 360 grain bullet 1305 fps with pressure under 34,000 PSI.

Ruger, no question in my mind.

David

I vote for the 625 because you want it as a back up. The N frame will take all the standard power loads you want to put through it. Save the warmer loads for the times it is "on duty". In an emergency, your free hand may be needed for things other than cocking or supporting a SA revolver. Like unzipping the sleeping bag, opening the tent flap, holding the lantern or flash light, or just reaching out into the dark to see if your partner is where you thought he was before you pull the trigger.