I got the same advice from a friend who is well versed and owns many shotguns. Buy the Benelli you can afford. I ended up with a black Vinci and am extremely happy with it. This is my first shotgun purchase.
I don't have it very long but really happy with it. Shot skeet and trap with it for the first time. Operated fine with three different brands ammo. Nice balance and low recoil. Being an amateur gunsmith lol, I love the ease at which it comes apart for cleaning. Unless you want to remove the trigger assembly(which you only need a small punch) you need no tools for disassembly!
The reason I asked is because I was told by customer service to put between 100 and 200 rounds of 23/4 by 1 1/2 shells through it to loosen it up. I did and now my Vinci fires anything without a problem.
Just bought a 28" 12gauge black Vinci. Can't wait to get to the range. I actually like the look. I can't believe how simple it is to disassemble. Reminds me of my AR15