I can't say which is the better gun between the two, that is personal preference. I chose the M2 because it has already stood the test of time in the dove fields of Argentina,where thousands of rounds are put through them everyday.
Very light loads that perform great. I have no need to shoot 3 1/2" shells, I would rather have no problems on the 2 3/4" end. I shoot alot of waterfowl.3" only. Backpeddling over the decoys. Even 3" can be overkill, Nothing makes up for shooting abilities! I think the return spring inline with the bolt only catches more junk, it performs well because it is easier to maintain there, where alot of people ignore tearing the stock off for to long. Laying in a layout blind in a dust blowing cornfield, I like the return spring tucked away in the stock.