a friend of mine has only owned two rifles in his life, he's 47 now, the two rifles, a marlin 30-30, and when he thought he needed a little more umph, he bought a marlin chambered in 444 marlin, he loves its, like i said he's only owned two rifles, he's had the 444 for 20+ yrs and swears by it. little more weight than a 336 lever, but a lot more gun, and i don't think bears would be a problem