i've said before that i think the BPS is the best all purpose shotgun on the market today. They're invincible, truly ambidexterous, and smooth to shoot. That being said the 870 is just as tough although a bit rougher. I don't have much use for the 1200 or 1300s but I know others do. The nova shoots just like a futuristic 870. It's still not as smooth as the bps and it looks like a lazer gun from the sci fi channel. That being said, some like the looks and they are tough.
benelli makes the most popular autos, deservedly so. I got my first chance to shoot a high end berretta the other day, and I must say it was at least as smooth as the much worshiped SBE. That being said, go with a pump when you're young. They're more reliable and just as fast (when shooting accurately).