I've been shooting sporting competatively for a couple of years now, and for my money, for under $2000 get either a used Beretta 682, or a new 686E Sporting (which I own), with 30" barrels. Look at the Brownings too, they're fine guns too. You can do very well with an auto, too a Beretta 391 or Teknys, or one of the Browing/Winchester auto twins (Gold/SX2), but for my money I like an O/U for reduced cleaning time. Clean out the barrels wipe it down, grease the hinges and you're good to go, an auto just requires more cleaning, and I guess I'm a little lazy.

Gordon