Hey AD Hunter, it's probably coming as S&W hates to be outdone. Taurus I found out tonite at a LGS is already on the bandwagon and offering a 2 1/2'' .500 snub. We were talking about defense for bears tonite at the LGS and we all agreed that you will not feel recoil when you are shooting an attacking bear;just pure adrenaline. The guys also noted that there is no need to go to the range and become proficient and practice with this bear handgun as the only legal way to shoot an attacking bear is one that is right in your face and coming. The bear had better have gunpowder burns on it's fur or you are likely going to lose your hunting rights,weapons, andhave a huge fine by the authorities. Taking time to aim and shoot bears accurately with your low recoil handgun at 20yds or more is not self defense;it's called poaching. I will guarantee that my little 2 1/2'' Ruger Alaskan .480 will hit a bear where I'm aiming at a close encounter and I'll bet given a life or death situation like that the recoil will be WELCOME. My point is that if you are going to be in bear country, carry a hand cannon.