Looking at purchasing revolver for protection while bowhunting not using hunting. What is preference between new Ruger Redhawk KRH-444 or the Smith & Wesson 629. Both in 44 Mag 4" barrell. thanks.

You can't go wrong with either, both good guns that I have shot many times.

I have a Ruger Super Red Hawk in 10" for hunting and love it
I have smaller hands and the grip fit perfect on the Ruger.

I personally like the redhawk much better. Not so for the superredhawk tho. The redhawk has different lockwork/design that enables it to have smoother lighter double action pull and is stronger because of heavier frame/cylinder and no sideplate to weaken it.The lockwork of redhawks features 1 spring for both hammer spring and trigger return spring. Usually the redhawk greatly benefits from a good action job as ruger don't believe in overly light triggers in factory form. The S&W has better single action pull. I've worked on all of them over the years.

The previous post hit it right on the head. Although I've owned a S&W 29 for 30 years and shot thousands of full house 44 mag loads out of it, I've never had a problem with it 'loosening up'.
I would say get whatever feels best in your hands. Its like either buying a chevy or a ford. The choice is up to you. Both are good but and will last a long time with proper care or you can also have a problem with either.

Both very good. Pick the one that fits YOU best and that feels best in YOUR hands. After all you're the one shooting it.

I live in Springfield, MA only a mile from the Smith & Wesson factory so I'm a little partial but I love the 629. Smith revolvers are slick as glass and have great triggers. Not too familiar with the Ruger but I've heard good things too, so I'm sure you will be happy either way.