I don't know where the OP is located but around here (central VA) there is a preponderance of available used shotguns, mostly Winny 12's and Ithaca 37's, and the best part is that $500 will get you a 90% M37 and maybe +$100 for a 90% Winchester 12.
Those are LGS prices so private sales can be had for a lot less.
My Ithaca Model 37 (1962) was my first and only pump gun (12Ga. - 30" bbl - Full choke) and I always liked the bottom eject. It will reach out there if you have to.
I haven't been afield in several years, but the Ithaca has and never failed to satisfy. I don't know much about steel shot which I agree is now a way of life, but the bore on mine is still just as shiny as it was in 1962, and the muzzle precision mics at 0.697" same as my 1953 Stevens left bbl (Full) and both guns have seen their fair share of duck blind, white-tail, sporting clays and High/Low House duty.
Obviously your money, your decision, but there is really something satisfying about real wood and blued steel.
