I looked long and hard at the Browning Gold when I was in the market for a semi-auto for exactly the same purposes. I liked the Beretta 390/391 better. The main "advantage" to the Browning is the capacity for 3-1/2" shells. I put advantage in quotation marks because I'm not sure the longer shells are much of a benefit.
The Gold is a soft shooting gun that I found a little muzzle heavy. I prefer the more nimble Beretta but shotguns are such personal choices that what is right for you may not be right for me. I know two people who own Golds who absolutely swear by them. They are reliable, well built guns like most Brownings.
Paul
