My handling a couple full sized 7 1/2" barrel 44 mag revolvers made me realize they are not for me. I researched some belt guns as backup for Black Bear at less than 25 yards and narrowed it down to the following that I'd greatly appreciate advice on acquiring:
Taurus 444multi 28 oz empty
or
S&W 329PD 25 oz empty

I tested a 329 PD a while back and liked it. I personally would buy it over the Taurus, but that's just me. Even with stout 320 grain loads I felt it handled the recoil well and wasn't at all abusive. I would attempt to try one out before plunking down my cash.

Thanks Whitworth, I am leaning toward the 329PD. Just don't know how to go about trying one out.

You're welcome! Keep us posted!

Whit is like me where recoil means very little to us.
Also gun weight has never been an issue nor has barrel length.
Keep in mind that what we do can do makes others turn green and toss cookies.

I have watched Whit bleed, use more band aids and never bat an eye.
The .44 can turn you into trash so you better be tough and find something to try first.
My opinion is that if a gun is too heavy to carry, you are not strong enough to handle recoil. We are talking OUNCES and I bet the candy bars in the back pack will put the gun to shame.
Look at the little men during the civil war, most were children and carried hundreds of pounds while walking cross country for hundreds of miles. Look at our great troops today.
I feel for you wanting 4 oz less to carry! Would you carry an empty canteen because water is too heavy?
I want water and a real gun!

A buddy bought a 329pd. It shot ok. With some of the heavier bullet handloads that we loaded for it recoil wasn't very pleasant. I would much rather shoot my FA454. The smith would be nice to carry all day though.

Ain't that the truth!

Another option is having a 44 Blackhawk customized, you could have any blackhawk customized but it would cause the cost to start to jump. This is an old model 357 I rechambered to 44spcl and modified for my wife to carry while hunting. The gun has a 3" barrel and weighs just under 29ounces unloaded. The grip frame has been shortened so for a full size aluminum frame and a magnum cylinder you might be around 30oz or less on a factory 44. This particular gun has a shilen barrel with a larger diameter than factory.

As far as your question on which gun the Smith or Taurus I'd take the Smith everytime. My supplier tells me that they haven't been seeing as many failures as they used to but there is no reason to think that their customer service has improved.

I would choose the Smith over the Taurus hands down. As has been said, the lighter gun will of course kick more. However, if you are looking for bear back-up and not a plinker, you should be fine. Shoot light loads at the range to get used to the gun, even 44spcl., Then drop the heavies in as you head out. If you ever have to actually use it on the trail, recoil will not be your top concern. A gun that is uncomfortable for a person to carry will eventually NOT get carried, making it useless, regardless of how sweet it shoots. Be happy and comfortable with your choice, choose a gun wou WANT to carry, one that makes you go hunting or hiking just so you have an excuse to carry it.

Do you need a 44 Magnum for 25 yard black bear? I don't think you do. A 44 Special will get the job done handily at that distance and be more pleasant to shoot. Ruger makes a Bisley in 44 Special with a 4-5/8" barrel that is soon going to be riding my belt. It might be worth a look for you as well. A few ounces can be a blessing when it comes to shooting comfort, over carry comfort.

Another great option!

I had a 329 and had timeing issues with it and had to send it back to S&W --when I got it back I traded it.

JMHO
I would opt for a 45 or 44 Mtn. Gun