Need help picking my 1st shotgun...

[TacticalSpeed]

You might have to look around a little more but a used shotgun could be the way to go.
-The Winchester Model 12 is a classic shotgun that has held up well over the years. They can be expensive because they are a classic gun.

-The Remington model 1100 is a semi-auto shotgun that can be found in the $500 dollar range. I have noticed that the recoil on the 1100 is a little less than on a pump gun.

-The Ithaca 37 Featherlight in 20ga is a good gun for smaller guys. It's light, shoots well and if you decide you want a bigger shotgun in the future, it is a good first shotgun for kids.

I shoot trap with the model 1100 and it is a solid gun. For hunting quail and dove I use the Ithaca, and it is still my favorite gun to shoot.

As far as the shotguns you mentioned I like the Mossberg for HD, it's a reliable gun that can be configured in a number of ways.

Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the info. Not spending $500 on a SG. Most Id spend is $300. Now I'm really liking the Mossberg 500 #50521. Seems the same as the #50411, but the 50411 is about $50 more.

[austinN4]

Now I'm really liking the Mossberg 500 #50521. Seems the same as the #50411, but the 50411 is about $50 more.

The 50521 isn't listed in Mossberg's online catalog so it must be older inventory and probably why it is less $ - a good find on your part if it is the same as a 50441.

[TacticalSpeed]

I'll probably end up going Mossberg b/c they seem to be cheaper than the Remington 870.

I held a Mossberg 500 Persuader w/a 20" barrel last night. Didn't feel bad, but I'm after an 18.5" barrel. They also had the Mariner which I did not hold, but I imagine it'd feel the same. It sure looks nicer. I'm just not sure it's worth an extra $100 over it's blued counterpart. Thoughts?