Jeremy:
That is a nice looking gun! I have been thinking along the same lines but I really like side byes... its an affliction! However, I have also been looking at O/U's too with the same goal.
I live in bear country and bear populations are growing. We have both black bears and grizzlies so it pays to pay attention and have at least bear spray... or better a substantial gun.
Since double guns have been the choice of dangerous game hunters in Africa and India for many years. I have to think one would serve me well too. I think it is quite true that if a bear charged it would be unlikely a guy would get off more than two shots with a pump gun anyway and a side by or O/U is faster and no change of FTF. At close range my worst loads would be accurate enough as well. In fact two round balls would ruin pretty much any critter's day as long as I did my part anyway!
The screw in choke tubes is a nice feature and one I wish they'd put on the Maverick. Having the ability to put on a rifled choke tube (which hopefully works) or a tight turkey choke tube for Tri-Ball loads is a really nice option. I'd think Tri-Ball loads would make excellent bear defense loads too. Maybe even better than a single ball or slug. A guy could get the Maverick reamed and tapped but it costs money and no-one locally does the work so if I got one I'd have to send it out.
There was a short barreled side by with screw in choke tubes too... I haven't seen ads lately though. That would be my first choice.
Longbow