The 41 Magnum is a great cartridge. But if you are buying factory loads then I would go with the 44 Magnum-strictly because the ammunition will be cheaper. If you reload then I believe the components will be easier to find. however if it is a 41 you want, then by all means go for it.

I would go with the S&W over the Ruger. I have a 329PD, and I believe it is the ultimate trail gun(picture below). The weight is barely over a pound, so carry weight is fantastic. With a heavy load the recoil is a bit stout, but I cast and load my own bullets, so I load them down a bit.

I have owned over a dozen Blackhawk's, including several short barreled one's. IMO the S&W will outshoot the Ruger's(hands down). Again this is my opinion, but I have shot over 100 different Smith's and Ruger's.

For a trail gun, carry weight is paramount. With this S&W you barely know the pistol is there. If you need it in a fast situation, then the double action is definitely an advantage.

The advantage's of the Ruger is less felt recoil(because of weight), and that cowboy feeling. But if you really want that cowboy feeling you will not buy a transfer bar Ruger, you would buy a Colt Single Action, or a S&W Schofield to start with.Tom.