Mossberg is my choice. But i don't know why you don't like the 870? anyway, the mossberg 500 i have was far under $500 and has worked flawlessly in all situations. I have been in rain, snow, dropped the thing in a swamp etc... never a problem. Very reliable shotgun that will last for a long time. I think it was about $220 new. I would seriously look into that gun. It's alot of value for the money.