Thanks, gentlemen. A lot of interesting suggestions here. I would note that almost no one is pushing for the Guerini, which is really interesting given how popular they seem. Multiple people have suggested the Zoli, so I will start researching those, along with the other referenced options. I may even circle back and give Beretta a second chance, even though the base model 686 I used to own didn't do much for me.
Regarding trying before buying, I would love to, but I don't have great resources for that other than renting guns at a club, which are usually 686s in my experience.
Most also aren't pushing new guns as well, which makes sense as every one I have purchased has been used due to the value proposition.
I think the 20 bore with 30 inch barrels will likely be the most versatile combination and will result in a better target weight than the standard 8 pound 12 bore clays gun. So I will focus on those.
Regarding aesthetics and wood choice, I agree that has been lacking on the lower level Citoris, the prior 686 SP, and the Cynergy. The curb appeal of the gun definitely influences how long I hold on to it and how I feel about it generally. So that will also need to be a consideration.
I have much additional homework to do!
