Welcome
Now about your questions in the world of semiauto shotguns like said befor Bennelli is king, BUT as a new guy I dont know if youve ever tried to disassembal a Bennelli for maintnece but I can tell you its no easy task and many New people have issues with them for that reason. Spending 700-1000 dollers for a new shotgun, isnt the direction I would be advising. You dont need to invest that deep to kill, and as a new hunter times are not cheep I see that choice only limiting your ability to customize. Buying the top of the line gun dosnt make you a better shooter, with skill and practice a great shooter with a Remington 870 will out preform a average shooter with 1000's of dollers invested in a gun that outshoots them. Plus with all the money you save you can buy all the chokes and barrels and still have some money in your pocket. Now that you have extra mula to spend join the NRA and your local conservation organizations get out meet people and get hunting!
Good Luck
Niccum