I like leverguns. One of my current projects is updating the sights and the trigger of a very lightly used 1978 Marlin 336. Its a great piece out to 200 yards...
Also, after spending a great deal of time with shotguns when I worked for the government and as a duck hunter, I agree that the Remington 870 is just about the best scattergun platform a person can own. Its tough, reliable in all weather (newish models will even function through a double-feed), enjoys an immense aftermarket, is affordable, is easy to work on, and it can be used interchangably as either a sporting or a defensive piece. Highly recommended...I have two.