I've seen and handled many fine smoothbore's over the years, and frankly I believe it all comes down to preference. If you like a particular shotgun for the way it feels, points, and reacts to your manipulation, then you'll do well with it. If you don't, then not so much.
My first shotgun was a S&W 1500 in 1983. It was a beautiful gun but clunky for me. I soon "traded up" to an 870 Special Purpose, the first of its kind in 1991.Me & that 870 spent many hours together, Squirrels & Dove aplenty. It feels, points & reacts like you said. It is a trusted friend.
