ORIGINAL: ButchA

I agree... It sounds like the Remington 870 12GA is the best bet for you. The basic, no frills, Express model is the most popular shotgun out there. The classic "Wingmaster" is beautiful, all fancy looking, and can be/could beover $500 bucks. The "Express" model can be had for as little as $269 if you shop around.

My opinion: You have to have an 870. See, there is an unwritten rule that everyone must have (or have had) an 870 at some point in time. They are that good and are that popular for over 50 years!

Also... if you get into waterfowling, DO NOT show up at some buddies' duck blind with a brand new 870. They will try to, um, uh, "break it in" for you... They'll tie a rope around it and drag it through the marsh, then hand it back to you. [&:] Then knowing the craftsmanship of the Remington 870, it will still fire and work perfectly, even with being all gunked up withmarsh muck!!!