Shotgun recommendation

For parts availability/aftermarket products go with a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590.
If you want a light on it I would suggest spending the money on a fore grip that has the integrated light (SureFire, Streamlight). I have tried many light mounting options on shotguns, and none worked out as well as the integrated style for form and fit.
For your proposed application I would furnish either with a 14" - 18.5" barrel (with the Moss 500 you will need an entire kit to have a 14" barrel unless you buy the one with a 14" barrel).
 
I would have uttered most of the above last year. Now, I would say spend less, get the same quality, and buy a simple Canuck pump gun (Defender, etc) with a 14" barrel. Absolutely no difference in quality compared to the 870 or 500, and they are easier to disassemble and clean. The money you save can go into a nice Cerakote job or laser/red dot or flashlight or ammo. Unless you like extra unnecessary weight, get a 590.
 
For parts availability/aftermarket products go with a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590.
If you want a light on it I would suggest spending the money on a fore grip that has the integrated light (SureFire, Streamlight). I have tried many light mounting options on shotguns, and none worked out as well as the integrated style for form and fit.
For your proposed application I would furnish either with a 14" - 18.5" barrel (with the Moss 500 you will need an entire kit to have a 14" barrel unless you buy the one with a 14" barrel).

Absolutely the number one handy accessory for predator control on a pump action 12 gauge is something like a Surefire forend/light. Once upon a time they manufactured the model 624 specifically for the M-37/M-87 Ithaca. Sometime in the early 90s it disappeared.
I don't understand now Ithaca company that on the sideline promotes the Pheonix O/U, brand new 28 gauge M-37s, paramilitary Patriot long range rifle why they don't team up with another company such as Inland to sell a tactical light for Ithacas old and new?
This is a niche market that is presently unfulfilled.
One could extend the useful life of grandpa's old 16 gauge if used for midnite unwanted guests.
 
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I would love to get my hands on an old Surefire forend for my Ithaca.

I have heard some say that the newer Surefire are not worth the trade off due to the weight and that they’d just add a simple flashlight. I really cannot comment. I do have a 2nd Gen Surefire but I’ve never mounted it on my 870 so i can’t really compare the weights. Certainly the most user friendly option.
 
I would love to get my hands on an old Surefire forend for my Ithaca.

I have heard some say that the newer Surefire are not worth the trade off due to the weight and that they’d just add a simple flashlight. I really cannot comment. I do have a 2nd Gen Surefire but I’ve never mounted it on my 870 so i can’t really compare the weights. Certainly the most user friendly option.

I've had first and second gen pumps, and briefly a third gen DSF on an 870.
The old ones are just straight forward and I'd definitely recommend a switch blocker on the paddle. The new ones are solid but they're chunky too. I definitely prefer the second gen with the textured grip.
 
Lots of suggestions , and somewhat of a tough choice . Personally I would go with something that had a 18 to 20 inch barrel , and an extended mag tube ; but the brand , and semi or a pump , would be up to you depending on your budget . I have seen new Maverick 88s with extended mags in the $350 range , and they are a pretty light , quick handling , shotgun for the money .
 
I just got a 590A1 SPX from a fellow here and I'm in love. The 20 inch barrel does take some getting used to for someone like me that 90% of the ammo I shot has been through my MK18.

Another thing to consider is that shorter barrel = less capacity. 20 inch gives you 8+1 which is reasonable. The heavier barrel of the A1 does make it fairly heavy and unwieldy for any inside the home predator control if you know that I mean.
 
Ill throw my hat in and recommend a Fabarm Martial Pro Forces 14". The older style, not the new. The trigger is super nice from the factory, the action is very smooth and the reciever is alloy/barrel parkerized. Totally weather proof, handles great and dead reliable in a short, quick handling shotgun. Lpa ghost rings and pic rail. I zeroed a sig red dot on mine at 50 with slugs and could repeatably ring the 100/200 yard gongs at the range. Used prices are getting lower and lower.
 
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