ORIGINAL: James B
I think its a little small too. However the poster seems to be recoil shy and a 357 is better than a sharp stick. Its also easy enough to carry that one is not as apt to leave it at home. A heavy 180 grain cast bullet would not be that bad for defense against Black Bears.
I guess I could give a .44 mag another try. Foolishly, it was the first handgun I ever fired, so I got kind of soured on it. I've heard a good set of pachmayr grips can really take the bite out of a .44.