I think I would prefer a repeater (something like a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70) over a sgl. shot for bear unless I had a guide or partner as back up. Though it is said that Blackies arent near as 'bad' as the more ornery bears I still dont want one gnawing on me while I try to jerk that 44Mag (dbl. action, thank you) out and to take a shot or two.
As to the rifle, yes I have one and like it very much, though I stocked mine with a more conventional Ultra Varmint lam. stock. It is nicely balanced for me, weight right between the hands, and I have an old El Paso Weaver 2.5 (or is it 3X?) scope.
Not to scare you off the H&R, but some of these have had Failure to Fire (FTF) syndrome. There really isnt any database of serial numbers to identify (sadly) which ones, so when you get one give it enough trials to know that it will go off every time.
