If you want a good auto here is my experience from owning all the "higher-end" autos.

Benelli M1 Super 90
Benelli M2
Remington 11-87
Browning Gold Stalker

I guide pheasant hunters, and I see all sorts of problems with 3.5" semi-autos, so I'd personally avoid them like the plague. The SBEs, Gold 3.5", Super X-2s, Super X-3s, etc.

I have also seen quite a few jams with the 1100s that my clients run, I have never owned one, but am considering buying an Upland 12 gauge version that is 2 3/4" to play with.

Franchi makes a very good mid-range semi auto. My buddy owns one, as well as alot of my clients, and they run great (these are 20 gauge guns).

I have 4 or 5 buddies with Stoegers, and as long as you run them dry (no lube) like a Benelli, they will take ALOT of abuse.

I'd avoid a Winchester 1400 at all costs.