My choice for a good dependable and strong shotgun for birds, rabbits, squirrel, and slugs for deer would be a Winchester model 1300 black shadow deer combo. It comes with a 22 inch rifled barrel with iron sights as well as a 28 inch vent rib barrel with screw in chokes. All for about $370.

The 1300 is a rugged and well built shotgun that won't break the bank. It's about as dependable a shotgun as they come.