You either need a 5lb 12 gauge, or, you don't. At the point that you do need one, what it looks like is a somewhat secondary notion. I use a 30" barrel Italian hammerless, 5lb, single shot 12 for hunting grouse on snowshoes. The longish barrel makes it an effective balance pole, and the notion of needing more than one shot for this type of hunting, is far fetched, at best.
You likely wouldn't think that gun was pretty, either. But, it works.
Best,
Ted