The Ithaca Model 37 and Browning BPS will give you the widest selection of options (gauges, barrel lengths, finishes, etc). I have and hunt with both, though I prefer the top tang safety of the BPS. Grew up shooting 870 Wingmaster's and never had a problem with them either, even before swapping in the LH safeties.
Semi-auto's I'm not real versed in as I never really saw the point in them other than to separate you from more of your hard earned money. A good pump-gun shooter can shoot darn near as fast as any auto-loader, and a pump is much less complex meaning less chances of a mechanical failure.
Bought my first auto-loader this past year (a lightly used 1100), but find I still prefer to grab one of my pump guns over it when heading out hunting.
Last edited by MrFurious; 02/24/16.
