i know exactly what you are talking about (the excitement)!!

i have only been dove hunting twice, with a cousin and then after i bought my shotgun... i got a NEW Remington 870 express for 239.99 so used should be even less. they are very reliable EXCEPT for winchester shotshells, (doesnt extract correctly...)some people dont like pump action but it is fine if you dont have a ton of birds flyin.

i used a mod choke with 7&1/2 shot shells. i hit 3 of the 4 i saw on my first time..

and i would say that this forum is very good for tips and also google is a great tool for general information.

hope that helps.