I don't own a shotgun, I was just looking online at Fathers Day deals and wondered Mossberg or Remington or others I don't know about. Uses are multi-purpose, snake, home defense, aliens, maybe even turkey. Budget is low enough for wife not to raise an eyebrow. 2-3-400?

I’d look for a used 870 here on the forum and call it good.

Here's what I would do if I were in your position as you stated: I would buy a new Mossberg Maverick 12 gauge Model #31010 from Academy for about two hundred dollars. I have one and it works just fine. If you want a home defense weapon they have one just like the 31010 only with a 20 inch barrel (Model # 31046) that holds up to 8 rounds and costs about two hundred dollars. Down the road you may decide you want something else like an OU or semi-auto. You will be able to sell the Maverick for almost what you paid for it. You can buy both of them new for a little over $400. I have owned both of these for years and never had an issue.

Check out used Ithaca Model 37 shotguns in online sources. A new Model 37 might make your pocketbook say ouch. Current Ithaca production is in Ohio.

The basic design of the Ithaca Model 37 was done by John Browning almost 100 years ago. The design is very dependable. The Model 37 is a bottom eject that makes it work well for right handed or left handed shooters.

The model 37 is a fine shotgun but I would not include it when home defense is part of the equation as you cannot load directly into the chamber.

This ^^^^

870 youth

some solid advice so far. you really can't go wrong with the 870, you might even find a used wingmaster in your price range.

I figure that if the Model 37 was issued to our soldiers in WWII and Vietnam then surely it will work as a home defense weapon.

As far as loading directly into the chamber I do so every time I shoot a round of trap with 3 different Model 37 shotguns.

I will also agree that the Remington 870 is a good choice for a new shotgun shooter as well.

A new 870 is in your price range. No need to search for used. Easy peasy.

A new 870 or a Mossberg 500

I picked up a like new Winchester 1300 at a pawn shop last year for $240 out the door.

A Winchester, older Remington, or mossberg will do 90% of anything you need to do.

I’d love to find an older one like that