I own four twelve gauge shotguns, my favorite animals to hunt, after bowhunting elk of course, is birds. I love to hunt waterfoul and upland game. Anyway the 12 gauge shotguns I own are as follows.
Winchester 1300 black shadow 3"
Benelli Nova 3 1/2"
Browning Gold 3 1/2
Remington 1100 3"
If you are on a budget my favorite less expensive shotgun is the Win. 1300, I have had no problems with mine. Windriver is correct in his statement. The only thing it lacks is the 3 1/2" capacity, but with heavy-shot you really don't need it (3 1/2") for waterfouling. I like the Nova, but I have had problems with it, shells not ejecting out of the magazine tube. The Remington, its from the mid 70's my late grandpa's shotgun, a ok gun but todays autos are much better. And I realy love my Browning Gold auto, again no problems, but you are looking at $800-$1000 depending on what features you want. Thanks and I hope this helps let us know what you decide!

Whatever you do get a remington or a benelli. I like the remington 11-87 12ga auto. For benelli I like the Super Black Eagle II. Here are some websights you can go to.

www.benelliusa.com
www.remington.com

Along with all the great guns mentioned I would also look at the winchester superx2, it is the same gun as the browning gold, with a little cosmetic differences and without the gold trigger,,,it is also made by browning. It will run you about $650.00.....

Browning Gold hands down. I wouldn't duck hunt with a pump. I used too, and got tired of falling behind. With steel shot, you need all the help you can get.

I use the Gold for deer hunting/and duck. I have used an 1187 for backup and use it occasionaly too. I use an 870 I have for turkey or anywhere that is rough going and I might scratch my gun.

You might look at the Stoeger 2000 semi. I picked one up for turkeys and was pleasantly surprized.
Polack