A great woods/urban carry gun with a wide energy range is once again available from S&W as a 'Stocking Dealer' goodie - the 629 Mountain Gun. With it's 4" tapered tube, it is 2" overall length longer than the Alaskan - but weighs in at 3 oz less. Mine was bought for .44 Russians and Specials - but graduated to Magnums with a grip swap to the excellent S&W/Hogue .500 Magnum backstrap-enclosing grips. Mine sees mainly a range gun's life here, just like my other firearms.
Of course, I think my homebrew 300gr LSWC's at 920+ fps from that 4" gun, admittedly a tad wimpy, are good woods protection - and the Speer #4427 200gr Gold Dot JHP, whether loaded as Blazers or GA Arm's loads, offer great urban protection. Don't get me wrong, I loved my .454 SRH - and still love my myriad of .45 Colts (Including a 625MG so chambered.) - that 629MG seems to just offer a wider range of abilities - especially for those without reloading possibilities.
Additionally, try to find the Alaskans now... the supply seems to have at least temporarily dried up. The 629MG may just be the least expensive... but don't forget those .500 Magnum grips ($35 from S&W Accessories.). Besides, if I were to get the best short range really big and mean beastie stopper, I think I'd go for the 3" .500 Magnum first - the .480 Ruger Alaskan second - and followed up by the .454 Alaskan and then the 629MG in .44 Magnum. Of course, try to find ammo for them outside of a well-stocked gunstore... the 629 MG wins here - you can buy .44 Magnums from Wally World on Sunday.
What function did you want it to serve?
Stainz