whitetaildreamer

I'm with Rebel Hog on this one. Probably the most bang for your buck would be something like the Rem 870 combo. It will give you the deer gun that you want since, as you stated, most of your shots will be 50-75 yards. Plus you will still have the use of a regular shotgun, which if you buy the 870, is very dependable and will last you a lifetime. You also stated that you are buying for 3. Someday if you wish to get a more expensive shotgun, say a browning BPS, you will have the 870 to pass down to one of your little ones.