[quote=eric_b;3532750]Maybe I wasn't clear

I want to get into hunting, and I want a gun that will be very versatile

Which gun is recommended? Which barrel length?

Anything else I should know?[/quote]

An 870 is a great gun. It has double slide rails to prevent jamming when cycling the gun. The receiver is milld from a solid block of steel for function and strength. There are also the most amount of aftermarket accesories available. Keep in mind that "fit" is most important when it comes to a shotgun. Since it typically isnt aimed, but "pointed at a target, it must fit you well. The best advice I can give you is purchase it with a 26" or so smooth barrel and try it on. While holding it in your hands, close your eyes and put it up to your cheek. Open your eyes and if you can see down the barrel and the sights are aligned, that gun will probably be accurate for you. http://www.remington.com/products/fi...ss_compact.asp

If you will also hunt deer with it I would suggest you get a rifled barrel, either open sights if that's what you prefer or a cantilevered rifled barrel that will allow you to mount a scope on the barrel. This way the barrel can be removed with the scope as a unit so it will maintain its zero, or scope/barrel alignment.
http://www.remington.com/products/fi...hetic_deer.asp

Here is the 870 with cantilever scope mount:
http://www.remington.com/products/fi...press_slug.asp

As other have stated practice with each barrel until you are proficient. I will caution you that rifle slugs are pricey and your ability to practice may be limited. I would stock up after hunting season looking for deals at stores like Gander and dicks, looking to unload post season inventory.

My advice would be to strive to have a shotgun and a medium bore/caliber rifle also if serious about deer hunting, although many people hunt with shotguns exclusively. .