ORIGINAL: driftrider
If you want a semi-auto 12ga and don't have your heart set on shooting anything bigger than 3" shells, then I'd strongly suggest the Stoeger 2000. I absolutely love mine. Shoots everything I feed it reliably and well, and is very well made for a very good price. You could have one in camo for the low to mid $500's.
Mike
I've seen Remington 11-87's in low to mid $500's in camo that shoot 3 1/2" shells. Maybe not a better gun I'm not sure but just saying you do have a couple options in that price range if you want to shoot more than 3" shells you have this option.