Well, here is my update:
I really wanted the screw-in choke model so that is what I got, and that model in the Pardner line only came with the light synthetic stock. The factory recoil pad wasn't very effective so I removed it, made a wooden plate (actually Masonite) to replace it and put a plastic bag in the hollow synthetic stock and filled the bag with sand. I sealed the bag (it was a cone shaped cake decorating bag from my wife - worked like a charm) jammed a few packing peanuts in the end and installed the homemade wooden butt plate with shorter screws so it would seal tightly.
I then put a small-sized Limbsaver slip-on recoil pad on the butt. It fit perfectly. I also added a Hi-Viz green sight to replace the factory bead. I even picked up an Improved Cylinder screw-in choke (Remington recommended this for their rifled slugs) to complement the factory Modified screw-in. The added weight of the sand and the superior recoil pad made felt recoil with rifled slugs much more comfortable. In its original configuration with 2 3/4 rifled slugs this gun would really thump your shoulder. I can't imagine 3" or especially the Topper model with 3 1/2" slugs. At some point I may upgrade to a wood stock as I think they look really nice.
I have run about 50 rounds of various types through it so far and it performs flawlessly. I guess my accidental dry firing incident(separate post) didn't hurt anything after all.
I am happy with my new shotgun; thanks to everyone here for all of the great advice!
Andrew S.