Yeah that's honestly a good point. .45 LC is a cool cartridge but .44 mag is more practical. There are a lot more double-action revolvers chambered in it and it's much easier to find ammo. If you want a pistol for bear defense, that's the best choice.

What do you mean you are nervous about the power of the round from a 3"-4" barrel? Worried that it won't have enough velocity from those barrel lengths, or worried that recoil will be too sharp? In either case you can find loads that will address your concern. There is a huge variety of .44 magnum loads on the market.