I've never had much use for a shotgun so I've never really owned a good one. here lately though I've been interested in getting more involved in some of the shotgun sports (sporting clays, trap or skeet) and bird hunting (dove, quail, and maybe ducks and geese) I know it's probably best to have several different shotguns, each set up for a different type of shooting but I don't want to sink that much money into it just yet.

so if you could suggest a good shotgun that could handle a little bit of everything, what would it be?

Beretta A300, Franchi Affinity, or Weatherby SA-08 depending upon how each one fits you.

have a few. Had several mossy 500s. They will serve you well unless you want to extend the mag tube, then you run into other problems, but not in any means impossible.

Have an 870 for HD. It's good to go, but no better than the mossy other than the mag tube issue.

I have bought 2 rem V3s. Semi autos. Both functioned flawlessly from day one, even with light loads.

The stoeger 3k series are basically a benelli. Inertia driven. Little more recoil, but fast.

Shotguns aren't that complicated, and really have no basis on accuracy other than getting a good pattern which can be addressed with different chokes.

Just get one that fits and points well for you. Don't get bogged down in minutia.

I think cyphertext called it perfect for your budget. I've been shopping for a 20ga mid priced semi for my daughter. Go to you tube and look these three up.

Fit is the biggest thing, when you shoulder the gun, hopefully with both eyes open, you should not see much if any "rib", just the bead. like the Berettas, I see too much "rib" meaning the stock comb is a little too high for me. This is easily fixed with most semi autos these days. They come with a set of shims where you can make the adjustments. Its much easier than it sounds, again, You tube is your friend.

you're on the right track. If you don't hit squat, look into taking a lesson or two or have a shooting friend watch you shoot. I have become hooked on sporting clays, lots of fun.

I found an old Stevens 20guage pump in a pawnshop for a $125 and am really impressed. Its heavy compared to my Benilli SuperSport but it shoots just as well. My son and his buddies learned to dove hunt with the Stevens and graduated up. When we are out at my place they all want to shoot the old Stevens. Many doves, squirrels, rabbits and armadillos have been invited to supper by that old gun.

M2

I have a Winchester sx3 and love it.
I have used it for sporting clays,dove,quail,turkey,pheasant,geese,duck and gonna try it on Sandhill crane this November.

I think there are more good shotguns on the market right now than ever before. Much of the decision comes down to price and fit; and sometimes styling, of course.

For reasonable money, I'm a fan of the Franchi Affinity; I own an Intensity, it fits me well, and am very happy with it.

Even more so than fit, see how you shoot the gun. I have a couple of really nice shotguns that I spent ALOT of $ on and both fit me like a glove - I shoot average with them. I have a much cheaper Browning Gold that I was gifted - it feels like I'm holding a 2x4 but I can shoot lights out with it. Weird. I can't explain it but you just gotta shoot a gun before you know for certain.

I have an older Franchi I-12 and it has been a fantastic shotgun. I forget how many shells I've shot but it's well over 5k. Never a single malfunction or jam. The only issue in 10 years was the front bead worked it's way out and I lost it in the field. I called Franchi CS and they sent me 2 sets of replacement beads (front and mid) and a Franchi cap for free, and next day air since I had a dove hunt that weekend. My dad also has a nicer Franchi sporting clays gun that he loves, and it has been flawless as well.

This. I looked at nearly every semi-auto on the market when I bought my Weatherby SA-08. Look at and handle as many as possible, find one you like in a decent brand that fits you and your budget and go for it!

Cruise by your local Cabelas, Buda or Waco, look on their gun racks, mine in Allen had a TON of really nice gas shotguns right in your price range

thanks for the replies y'all. next time I'm in Buda I'll stop by Cabelas and handle some of the models mentioned and see what fits me best.