I have read many of the tests conducted on the Glock and other semi autos and revolvers. Guess which three had no or the least amount of fail to fire episodes. Colt 1911, Browning Hi Power and Glock. Yes even the revolvers in these tests failed at some point. From what I can see the revolver failings were due to foreign matter getting into the system and preventing the cylinder to rotate properly or impeding the hammer strike. Are hunters, hikers, fishers likely to have their revolver go through mud, sand etc. Most probably not.

The next thing to bear in mind is if you need to reload a revolver it is slower and more prone to clumsiness unless you practice, practice and more practice. Would you need more than 5 or 6 rounds for a bear attack, I'd say most probably not.

Now remember I am not in bear country but my preferred option would be a 4 inch Revolver in 44 magnum. Yes I have owned and shot a 44 mag but with a 7"? barrel and shot a full house loads from a 44 Derringer, not recommended