If I were buying a pump, I would consider the Ithaca Model 37. It has been made longer than any other pump. My father had one and it always felt good and shot well. His had a "poly choke". You could change the choke setting with a twist of the wrist; no tools.

Wish I still had it.

I use a Benelli Super Nova pump & love, love, love it! Fits great, won't beat you up, & looks like a stormtrooper should be using it. And I got a killer deal on it. That being said, you absolutely CANNOT go wrong with the 870, provided it feels good in your shoulder. It's also probably the most easily expandable shotgun out there because there's a big market for the parts. I looked for a slug barrel for my Benelli, & could buy an 870 with 2 barrels for what they were asking.

My 28 year old Remington 870 Wingmaster is my favorite pump gun.

Mossberg 500 12 ga with a 24" vent rib barrel. Go ahead thorns, scratch the stock. See if I care.

870 for sure. If I could only have one shotgun that's the one it would be

I like/prefer the older models than new.They have more character and better steels.If they can only speak?
Win model 12,ithaca 37,rem 870,rem model 31
Anyone of these will do the trick.An older 870 in 2 3/4" in 12 gauge will weigh in at approx 6 3/4 lbs.Plenty light for all day carry.The 37 will be the lightest but in a 20 gauge all of these models would run around 6 and a bit lbs.
What other type of shotgun can one buy that was made with the quality of these (especially in older models),be as well balanced,reliable,and at a price that won't break the bank.
Over and unders are nice for sure and I use mine on clays.But for just plain fun and when the chips are down (cannot underplay that third shell) the pump wins hands down. I know autos nowadays are "just as reliable" but at triple the price and most alot of them are plastic.These old pumps are made of wood.
Plastic guns are not better,just made cheaper and sold for more.

Mossberge 500 or Remington 870, I shoot both regularly.

My go to gun is a remington model 17. My 870s will work after being drug through mud, frozen, dropped off a cliff and run over, but my 17 compared them is like comparing a Rolls Royce to a pinto. I've never had a smoother slide action. It's also still made today as the Ithaca 37.
Mike

i use a 1929 browning A5 or my 1949 savage 820b or my 1959 870

Winchester model 12. 16ga.