I've got a 4.5" SR-22 Ruger that I like for piddling around in the woods, it's lightweight and shoots pretty well, but I like my 617 Smith 4", too, although it's a lot heavier. We don't have bears around here. Two-leggers will run if you pull a pistol on 'em, even a .22, our two-leggers are too lazy to be aggressive......................

You can roll a turd in peanuts, dip it in chocolate, and it still ain't no damn Baby Ruth.