The 41Rem.Mag. is a very fine handgun cartridge, and only slightly less powerful than the 44mag. The 44 is actually more like a 43 as the bullet dia. is .429". The 41mag., IMO, deserves to be a lot more popular than it is, and for most people would be a better balanced/more useful cartridge than the 44.
Ammo choices for the 41 are more limited, but those that are available are good, and several could be used for bear protection including Federal's cast leadSWCloading.
Forget the Taurus, and 2" barrel is too short - it will handicap the ballistics of the cartridge, and I'm sure, prove to be a bit much to control.
S&W has several good double action revolvers available in 41mag., including a model 57 Mountain gun. It would be my pick for the purpose you noted.
Ruger also makes a good single action in 41mag., the Ruger Blackhawk.

Link to S&W 41mags:
http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293606&sw_activeTab=1