I'm a big fan of the 41mag,it can do anything the 44 can.
Here is how the 41 stacks up using Federal listing
41 mag @ 25 yds 250 gr Cast-core
MV 1200 fps
ME 799 ft/lb

44 Mag @ 25 yds 240gr JHP
MV 1127 fps
ME 677 ft/lbs

The only thing the 41 gives to the 44 is larger bullet a 300 cast core out of a 44 mag hits @ 959 ft/lbs at 25 yds.
In the 2 in Tarus he will lose some velocity and power,I would opt for the 4 inch barrel version.I had one at one time and it was plesant to shoot and was accurate.I also used to harvest 2 deer with it.
As for bear protection I would use it as the only means of defence,IF I were to buy a hand gun for bears it would be a 454 or the 480 ruger.
I think my next pistol will be Smiths new 460 xcr,now thats a screamer.[:-]
BBJ