Best 12 gauge for camping/backpacking/home?

[Hebephreniac]

Okay, so I want to get a quality pistol grip 12 gauge that'll take 3 1/2" mags for Alaska when I move there but I can use 2 3/4" for the home option for now.
Hopefully I'll be getting into backpacking again so I want something that can take a beating and hopefully won't rust.
I'm thinking stainless... are there any negatives to stainless? Weight?
It must be easy to disassemble.
I don't have much money, but I want something that will last for the rest of my life if that's possible.
I'll spend a few extra bucks for a gun that might be worth it, if you got any ideas.
Years ago I had a Winchester Defender. It seemed a bit flimsy and I never really liked it.
I've fired shotguns that I've definitely liked I just can't remember what's what in the shotgun world.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Actually, 3" seemed to be sufficient for bear, if I remember correctly. 3 1/2"... ouch!
Also, the gun has to be legal in the Republic of Californica since that is where God chose to give me a trade that requires me to be in la-la land for the time being.
Alaska... man, I can't wait!
Mike - Have you ever backpacked in Alaska?
My friend refused to bring a gun when we were packing up there but always requested to carry mine when we went through areas that looked like a backhoe had been digging up the ground.
I refused his requests and the guy was glued to my side... drove me freakin' nutzo.
I carried that Defender for over 200 miles in Alaska. I'm familiar with the burden.
It was 15 years ago and I'm not up to date on the firearms of today.
Just looking for suggestions and I remembered after posting this question that 3 1/2" is a bit much. 3" will work a dandy.
budget - $500ish if it's worth it. Maybe more if it is definitely worth it.
Yeah, I've used a pistol grip on a shotgun before, but it was 15 years ago.
I practiced/trained for almost a year before I went to Alaska and was pretty slick with it at the time. I do realize that I have many days/weeks/months of practice ahead of me.
I went for the pistol grip before because the Alaskan bush is a clustered nightmare to amble through and I wanted something that I could be relatively quick with the oppressiveness of the bush.

 

[Tahoeguy]

Well, from the sounds of it, you are looking for a defensive style shotgun, but very few off the shelf models can chamber a 3 1/2" shell. If you have some misconception that you might be able to shoot a 3 1/2" 12Ga magnum shell with only a pistol grip, you are in for an unpleasant surprise.

The only down side to stainless is its weight. You didnt state a budget, so i have no idea of what you consider affordable. Keep in mind that few 'not too expensive' firearms are going to last a lifetime. Carrying a shotgun while hiking is an unpleasant experiance, especially over unven terrain.

I think you should re-evaluate you needs vs. wants and get back to us, because a shotgun that does all of what youve asked (oh, and not too expensive too) is just not out there.