CZ 527 in .223,
(oh wait, you can't use those in the spring season also?darn! )

Actually I've never had a problem with my 870 Express, set witha heavyshot-safe chokeand an Aimpoint on top. Dad is a singleshot fanatic. And since he's has gotten more birds (& deer, elk, mulies, chucks,so on)than any two other people I know, I'd say his old New England "beater gun" is OK also.