(I'd like to preface by saying right now I have pretty much zero knowledge on guns, gun prices or hunting) So I've determined that I'm on board with a shotgun because it offers the most versatility to an entry level hunter. Ideally I'd like to have a single shotgun that can be used for squirrels, rabbits, and birds.

This is my first firearm purchase and while I'd like to keep prices on the way lower end of the scale, I want something solid that's going to last me some years and I won't immediately regret buying after I become much more versed in hunting. I'd like to spend as little as 300 but I highly doubt I'll get what I'm after with that much. Would I be right in thinking this?