I would highly suggest the Winchester 1300 in what ever configuration that you choose. This was the first gun that I ever had and in 18 years it has never failed to function, not once. If you are going to use this as a " deer only" gun then go for the rifled barrel instead of the smooth bore.

http://www.winchester-guns.com/prodi...item=512037343

Of course you can get them for a lot less than the MSRP listed on their web site.

Then you are going to get a lot of folks pushing you toward a Remington. I have never owned an 870 but I am sure thay are great guns too.