I carry a Blackhawk 44 with the 5.5" barrel, when I am anywhere near bears. as stated above, you can plink with 44 special, hunt with something hotter. I also occasionally carry my Model 28 S&W, but I feel better with the bigger gun. Phil Shoemaker is an Alaskan bear guide that writes for the Wolfe Publications, did a column on the subject a while back. He said he carried a .357 for years and never felt under gunned. I also think a double action might be a better choice, but I am pretty comfortable with the Blackhawk.