I couldn't agree more with ipscshooter and Rammer.
A .45 acp is the mostquintessential handgun I can think of for CC and combat shooting. If it is going to spend more time on your hip under a vest or jacket than in your hand as a bear backup I'd opt for a 4" model that conceals well and has ease of draw from a CC holster.
As for bears, well the .45 ACP will kill one when the bullet is properly placed. Don't spray and pray, aim and squeeze off one or two well placed rounds with 230 grain ball ammo. A 185 grHP may not get to the spot you want it to go. I was taught that guys who carried a .45 ACP for a living would switch their ammo in the winter to 230 grain ball ammo to get enough penetration on the heavy winter coats and clothing that people wore. Need I say more?
If you can get two guns, keep the .45 under your vest and buy a Ruger or S&W .44 mag. There's no question as to the ability of this cartridge to be very accurate and to send large critters to their demise!!
Good luck...