I shoot barrel lengths from 3 inches to 7.5 inches. For me, the longer the barrel, the easier it is to aim them. My Rugers are a matched pair with 7.5s, (see the photo over there <------), a 5.5 inch Bisley type and a 3.75 inch birds head model. All are 45 Colt caliber. I don't twirl any of them. Unless I am to appear in a wester movie that requires it, I don't see any reason to twirl them.
If you must walk in bear country and you're thinking about a RedHawk, may I suggest the Super Red Hawk Alaskan model in caliber 454, if it is still available. It's heavy but easy to pack because of the 2.5 inch barrel and loaded with heavy loads, like those from Magtech, it'll drop any bear that walks the earth. I am more concerned with two legged predators and my Alaskan mostly does duty as a home defense gun and I carry it in my truck. Of course, I mostly load it with hot 45 Colt ammo for that purpose. I like the 200 gr. JHP load and the 225 gr. solid copper DPX loads from Corbon.