Travis,
Find yourself an Ithaca 37 Ultralight in 20 gauge, one of the originals in 2 3/4", with a vent rib 25" barrel. Your small gauge fantasies will recede quickly.
How about a pre-war, first year production 20 ga. with solid rib..?
Bought it used, metal as you see it, wood pretty rough. Refinished wood, recut checkering, added the pad.
DF