Wow - what a great question. But luckily you have some great answers.
If you are looking for a revolver, I second Bean Man's opinion on the SP 101 - great gun with a small barrell - easily concealed, low profile and lightweight but stainless steel and double action. You will see nothing but positive reviews from all the sites that review this weapon. I have seriously been shopping for a pistol for nearly a year now being very patient and thorough and this one tops my list considering price (about $100 less than a S&W model 686), durability, looks, feel and most importantly performance. The .357 is big enough for any bear you will come across in most of the lower 48, (though many would argue - of course it's all about shot placement) but small enough to shoot without tearing your hand off. You can also shoot the .38's and can do so all day long. The .357 is however a very loud and distinctive - especially with that short of a barrel.
Now if you are in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington and the bears are bigger, you may not want anything less than a .44. In that case I would go with the Ruger Alaskan. Solidly built and good price. You can also get it in chambered in a .454 Casul/.45 Long colt and a .480 Ruger.
I like the Ruger's because they compare pretty much in every way with the Smith's and they are priced a lot lower. If price is not a problem, then go with the Smith & Wesson Night Guard Model 329. WOW - I AM IN LOVE! .44 mag / .44 SP chamber, 2 1/2 inch barrel - Scandium alloy frame with stainless PVD cylinder, matte black finish, Tritium sights!!! OHHHHH ROY LIKEY!!!! Super light weight and easily concealed in a .44! You will definitely have more felt recoil with this model however as it is a small barrel and light weight. May not be fun to shoot a whole lot, but that always depends on the shooter anyway. It will be pricey. The MSRP is $1,044 - so you may find it cheaper, but most likely around that price, whereas the Ruger Alaskan will be around $800 but a lot heavier.
Those are pretty much in most opinions that I have researched, the best options for revolvers (double action). If you want single action, that is a different story.
Now if you are looking for an automatic - you have a lot of great options as well. You probably wouldn't want anything smaller than a .45. Still some feel a little light for Grizz, but you would get a lot more than six shots! Again, considering price, accuracy, reliablity and feel, I would go with the Smith and Wesson M&P .45. You will pay around $600 for it and will be every bit as accurate (or more so) than a comparably priced Glock. It has a 10 round Magazine - polymer frame, stainless steel barrel and carriage, great sights, great feel and great performance. It does not come in a compact model in the .45 but it does in the .357 Sig so that may be an option, but you will probably have to order it as that caliber is not as readily carried as the .45 is.
The next price jump up however is going to give you some great options. The H&K USP Compact is one I would definitely have if I could afford it. Also the Sig P220 Compact is a great gun.
Anyway there are a few ideas. I am sure you will get a lot of responses - this is a great question and fun to talk about!
UTROY
Proverbs 21:19 (why I hunt!)
