You'll consider 41 mag but not 44 mag? They are real close in recoil. Just go with a 44 mag in whatever model you want, you can shoot 44 specials in it which have very little kick. I have a 1974 S&W model 29 (pinned barell and recessed cylinder) and I dont have any problems with it. I weigh about 175 pounds and the recoil doesnt bother me. 357 is a bit small for bears and 44 magammo is more readily available. EJ