Vance,

Be sure to remove the front sight.

On a more serious note: I'd call JD Jones on this one and see what he recommends. I'm thinking an Encore with a 375-06 or something like that would be more appropriate. If you don't have a serious DG rifle backup with you, that 444 seems a good bit light for a brownie.

Your chances of getting the bear pi$$ed off or wounding him and loosing him seems very high with a 444. I rarely criticize people for cartridge selection but I urge you to stop and carefully think this one through.

Another excellent resource is Mark Hampton. He's been there and done that with single shot handguns many a time. I think he'd also recommend something with a bit more oomph.

$bob$