Chris D.,
I purchased a Benelli Nova w/ 26" barrel and full camo and have NO regrets. It has performed flawlessly with any and all ammo that I've run through it. I have used steel waterfowl loads (both factory and reloads), buckshot, trap loads, heavy lead hunting loads and slugs. All have shot with good results. :-)
I considered deer hunting with it and decided to shoot some 2 3/4" 1oz. Remington Slugger slugs with the factory Improved Cylender choke. It shoots them in a 4" group at 50 yards and that's good enough for the close ranges of hunting inside a wooded area.
After a long hassle with some mechanical malfunctions and a couple of return trips to the factory with a Remington Express Super Magnum, I sold it and purchased the Benelli Nova. If you purchase a Remington, make sure it's a Wingmaster model and NOT and Express model.
It will be well worth your time and money to purchase the full camo model Benelli Nova. Their bluing job on the Nova leaves room for improvement. The camo finish will be maintenance free and will last for years.
I've owned Mossberg 835, Mossberg 9200, Remington Wingmaster, Remington Express Super Mag, Remington 1100 and an Ithaca Deer Slayer....the Benelli Nova has out performed them all.
Good luck with your choice!
Good hunting, Bowhunter57