Like most here; I own representatives of most pistols & rifle designs, semi-auto, double-action, single-action, bolt, lever-action, single shot, etc. My occupational work guns are semi-auto pistols & rifles. My farming & outdoor guns are mostly single-action and bolt action. The handguns are in calibers .22 thru 475 Linebaugh.
I haven't shot any bears so I can't speak from experience there. However, before I eradicated them; I used to nightly go out hunting armadillos because live stock and armadillos are not compatible. I used single-action Super Blackhawks, or Vaqueros, using hot 44 Special, or 44 Mag, loads. The rules of the exercise were: I had to do instinctive/reflexive shooting, flashlight in one hand and revolver in the other, and I had to spook them first so they were a running/dodging target.
The point that applies here is that I never recalled cocking the single-actions after the opening/first shot. The cadence of the shots was easily on par with that of AIMED semi-auto fire. Especially if I was having an off night and failed to connect in the first two rounds. ;- ) When you're talking about rounds that are in the Major Power Factor Class (say .40 caliber bore and up) , recoil rather than the mechanical design group of the pistol, determines how many accurate shots the average person can get off in a timed period.
If there is a possibility you could be included on the "menu du jour": Carry what you have confidence in and shoot well (within reason, no .22s unless it's all you have), AND practice with like it's the only thing that's going to make a difference between whether you eat or get eaten.
As they say on Radio, "just my thoughts, your results may vary."