Howdy Norseman, I think it is overblown as you said above. I got a 870 Super Mag back in the Spring and have no complaints. Own 2 of the 870 Express as well. Seem to be fine shotguns. When you go to buy yours, you'll have the chance to look it over carefully for yourself and make your own decision. I bought mine for Turkey hunting only, what is your intended purpose? The reason I ask is Mossberg has a model which is supposed to be near the tops as far as patterning goes. Also consider the Benelli Super-Nova. I can think of no fault to mine, a .655 choke and Hevi-13 #7's is a turkey killer out to 60yds.