I get the impression that a lot of people have outdated notions of what H&R/NEF shotguns are like and don't realize that A) many of them are fairly heavy and B) they come with a variety of stocks that fit better than they once did.
Glad to hear they are making better single shots. You're correct, my first thought was based on old experiences: a lightweight single shot with a fence board stock. As my friend, 1-oz, aptly said about typical single shots -- "hurt on both ends."