I've only ever had field guns where scratches and dents were always overlooked.
They all go "bang." The key thing is that the gun has to fit you so that it shoots where you are looking.
Rifles and pistols have adjustable sights. Shotguns need stock adjustments.
Action: gas auto, pump, s/s, o/u, all shooter preference. I have just 2/12 shotguns left.
My sole regret is selling a Boito (Brazil) s/s 12 x 3" coach gun.
I shoot an o/u 12 and a s/s 20, both Baikal because those guns have all of the features that I want.
I don't find the difference in the shooting plane to be any distraction.