Opinions will vary but I guess I'm a little true to my favorite. 1187 Remington 12 gauge. YOu can getall the chokes for skeet, dove, pheasent hunting. Then upgrade later and add a deer barrel if you want. Catch them on sale you should stay under $600. Option #2 Remington 870 12 guage. Might be a little tough shooting skeet being a pump but I've seen plenty of guys do it. I don't shoot skeet myself. Same set up with different chokes should keep you less than $400