I will only state an opinion on a gun/rifle that I have owned or shot.

My favorite rifle is my Remington 700 .270win. hands down the most accurate out of the box rifle I've ever shot. Recoil is about the same as my .22. And thats one w/o a rubber pad.

My favorite shot gun is my Browning BPS 3.5''. (pump)

Auto is a toss up b/t my 11-87 and my friend's Franchi.
The 11-87 is a very good shooting auto, but the Franchi feels like it was made for my body.
My Belgium Browing is also a fine one. Dang. I think they are all my favorites. If not, I wouldn't have them in my safe.