i would go with the 870.i have hunted with the encore and killed 2 toms last spring with it i just like those back up shots last spring just beforew i killed my second i shot a different and knocked him down and before i could get reloaded he got away,my dad will probebly use it this spring,i will be packin my 870 with 3.5 in hevi 13.

which ever way you go i hope you have a safe and succesful season.