bigsplash, the model 88 "Maverick" is Mossberg's entry level gun. It's not bad, but for what you're wanting, you can do much better. For one, there's no sling swivel studs on it, and it only comes with modified choke. If you shop around, you can find an 835 Ulti-Mag for less than $100.00 extra. There's some stores, like Academy Sports where you can get a 835 in matte black, camo stocks, 28" barrel, and modified choke (which will act like a full choke with steel shot) for only $235.00. It produces great patterns with lead shot do to it's oversized bore. The bore (not chamber) is actually the size of a 10 gauge. Less pellet deformation means better groups. You can use light target loads in it, load it up with quality 6's for rabbit, 3" mags for Turkey, and 3 1/2" magnums for those high flying geese and ducks. It's a little heavy (in my opinion) to keep on a wild flying dove, but it would work well for swinging on clays.