I have one and your description as a "little bruiser" is very proper. Due to the style, it can transmit a good bit of recoil to the shooter. It's also a very easy gun to carry, balances well in the hand and the bores are generally excellent.
I shoot mine with 3" shells even though it can chamber the 3.5" shells. I like the Hevi-13 shells with either 2 oz. of #6 or #7 shot. I actually prefer the #6 shot but it's what I shoot year 'round for both hunting and competition, so I know exactly what it will do.
There are several good chokes. I believe I've shot most if not all of the commercially available chokes and several of the custom made ones. The ones that I've seen turn in the best patterns in those guns are the Wright's, Hevi-13, JEB's, the SSX and Pure Gold.
They have very different internal geometry but the designers have have chosen the features that they feel work best.
Good luck with your gun and please let us know what you choose.
Thanks,
Clark