Mike, if you've never shot one, I'd try one first. I love my Freedom Arms 454 revolvers, and don't mind the recoil, but I find the 329 un-shootable. Getting hit hard in the palm of your hand with a ball-peen hammer is pretty accurate. Even the 357 Mag version is way too much unless you shoot 38s in it. I know your thought process...a light, easy to carry handgun with enough horsepower for Bears in Alaska. It sound like a solution, but didn't work out for me.