Rem 870 extremely short barrel. Wondering what my options are.

[blackcats]

I have a custom Dlask arms Rem 870 12 guage 2-3/4 3" with an 8.5 inch barrel. Before anybody faints... Yes its legal where I live. (I get a lot of fainters when I mention that) From what I can see it looks like the barrel was custom designed (full choke?) it seems to pattern about the same as my Rem with 28 inch barrel up close. I notice after a few rounds the barrel is FULL of unburned powder which is pretty much what I expect. Holds three shells. I have a few adjustments to make. Im rebuilding the front stock its a little scary. Too sharp to hold to small to keep thumb out of the way of the muzzle (I dont use this gun much for that reason. Under pressure id probably lose a thumb)
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Its for bear protection although for the small size its just as heavy as some of my full size arms but holds fewer rounds. Making the stock safe and comfortable is no problem when I get some time. What im wondering is can this gun be useful or is it just a novelty. For example I could get a mares leg lever action in .45 colt that is lighter more accurate and holds 10 rounds. Is there anything I can feed this shotgun that would beat that or even compare ?
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I reload so I can tailor for either gun. I was thinking perhaps slugs and a powder with a faster burn rate would be more efficient in this shotgun. Any other thoughts on upgrades that might make this more functional and durable would be great too. Thanks!
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[Synchronizor]

I cast and handload the Lee drive Key Slugs using 7/8-ounce or 24-gram lead shot data that calls for the stiff Federal spiral-leg wads. Gets me pretty good results using quick-burning target powders. That might work better for you in a very short barrel than slugs loaded with slower propellants. The difference doesn't amount to much in normal barrel lengths from what I understand, but in your case, there may be more of a gain, especially if you're seeing unburnt powder in your barrel (though that may just be the ammo manufacturer going with something cheap).

You said you reload; do you have a chronograph? That would be the tool you need to really compare performance.

[DaveC]

The EOTech white light fore-end/ pump/ slide installed om my HD "Linus blanket" 870 Express has a molded hand stop at the front, which would be conducive to handling a barrel that short [Ay caramba! shorter than 10=in?? ] I'm not sure about parts availability where you're at, but the "Serbu super shorty" type vertical foregrip would seem to me to be the way to go with what we in the United States are required to call an "AOW" due to the particularities of our gun laws. Something like an integral strap to keep your operating hand on the pump like Mossberg sometimes has, on their 14-in. barrel/ 26-in. overall length "firearm" might be another option perhaps.

Good luck with the load development!