I've done a little shotgunning (at paper targets for familiarization) and liked the 870. It's also (one of?) the most common shotgun(s) out there, making it easier and cheaper to fix/customize. (No, I don't wanna go all SWAT, just a light and a pistol Grip stock.)
Edit: I also want a short side-by-side, just for fun. And to keep by the bed. In the immortal words of ArmedBear, nothing says "I am a redneck and I will shoot you" like a side-by-side shotgun.