I'm sure there will be alot of replies for 835 Mossbergs. I have had one for nearly 15 years now. But its only a turkey gun now. The fit and finish is "so so" and the camo finish is downright weak. They kick like an abused mule without the ported barrel, but who wants to listen too a ported barrel in a blind all day? BUT with their 10ga boring they deliver BIG loads awfully dadgumed well!!!

When Remington released the 870 SuperMag several years ago I jumped on it. THAT is my recommendation too you. The 870 SPS SuperMag is an awfully tough gun that shoots VERY well and with an R3 pad, you can pound 3.5" goose loads through it all day and not feel like you have been in the ring with Ali. Personally I would stay away from the "Express" model 870s. They have more plastic pieces in them and the finish is HORRIBLE. The "parkerization" they feature is extremely weak and rusts faster than a Japanese car.

My second pump would be the Browning BPS Stalker. I LOVE the BPS' because I shoot lefthanded and with their ambidextrous safety and bottom ejection, they are easily suited for either shoulder. You might want to look at the guns featuring the "Dura Touch" stock finish. Personally I love the feel and extra armor.

The Benelli Nova is a tough gun despite their composite reciever. They shoot well, but being light they too are known for their recoil with big loads in them. For around $50 you can get a mercury recoil tube and bracket to install in the rear stock. But imho it makes the guns then feel tail heavy and un-balanced. Another complaint I hear often about Novas (same for the BPS' as well) is about the length of slide. Its a LOOONG way from the pistol grip/trigger area too the front half of the front stock. If you are under about 5'10" they might be a stretch for you.

Good luck though,
RA