I've been a huge Benelli fan for years. I've owned M1's and M2's including an M1 SBS. They're all gone now. It's good, it's fine, it was intentional. I might like to have another at some point, but right now I just don't have enough need for a shotgun to keep that much tied up in one. I "need" a shotgun for 3 things:
1. gun games (3gn, clays)
2. bird hunting
3. HD
Honestly, the HD part is behind and Glock and a suppressed MK18, so it's not really a contender, but I like shotguns and would like to have an 18.5" something loaded with buck just in case. I don't care AT ALL about being competitive in gun games anymore. It's just about hanging out and having fun with friends. I don't need the 28" Benelli with the 12round tube. Don't care.
Bird hunting...I've been once. I also have a single shot NEF 12GA and a SXS .410 I can use for that. But, I did have a total blast the one time I went. It was part of a package where we did clays and birds and for clays and birds I'd like to have a longer choked VR barrel.
In my mind, what I want is a simple 18.5" 870 and then a 26" (or so) VR barrel with screw-in chokes. A fixed Mod wouldn't be the end of the world either, but with chokes I could make it work better for Turkey (if I ever do that).
I know the rules say it needs to be either an older Wingmaster with some upgrades or a Police model. But honestly, for the roles I described does it really matter? Can I not just pick up the first used Express Tactical I come across for $200, buy a spare longer barrel and just move on? Some of the most enjoyable shotgunning I've done was messing with a buddy's Norinco 870 clone with 18.5" barrel and pedestal/bead sight on the sporting clays range. Looking to keep it light and handy, not all tac'd out.