There are a few in my area available for $450. Any comments?

Also, can a sporting good store let you feel the gun in hold it off of the shelf? I've never bought a gun before so I don't know.

Here's some info on it:

The Spartan Models SPR310 Single trigger and the SPR320 Double trigger shotguns are well designed for hunting or the gun club and affordable. Both shotguns feature walnut stock and fore-end with checkering. The fore-ends are classic style rounded and the stocks have pistol grip contouring. All metals work on these shotguns are blued. The O/U barrels are hammer forged and hard chrome lined with a vent rib. The mono-block receiver is machined from solid steel.

Like the Spartan SxS double barrel shotguns, these break-action O/Us feature auto tang safety, screw-in chokes and a rubber butt pad. Automatic selective ejectors are standard on the single-trigger SPR310 and the double-trigger SPR320 has a mechanical extractor. The Model SPR310 is available in 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauges and .410 bore. The double trigger SPR320 is offered in 12 and 20 gauges. Suggested retail prices range from $420 to $490. Most gauges and the .410 bore are chambered to accept 3-inch shotshells, except the 16- and 28-gauge Model SPR310s that are chambered 2 3/4-inch only. All shotguns utilize bead sights and weigh approximately 7.4 pounds, with the 20 gauge models weighing slightly less. Many Spartan screw-in choke options are available and the O/U shotguns arrive with chokes similar to those combinations offered with the Side-by-Side models.

Information taken from http://www.remington.com/magazine/current/2004_0902.asp

They are good shotguns for the money,they are made by Bikail in Russia I belive. I had a 28ou Bikail that was a good shooter.

For hunting once or twice a year, they'd probably do o.k. I would NOT buy one for hard use. I know several people will post on here about how they've shot 10,000 rounds with no failures, but I've watched several of the Russian over and unders die on the local skeet range. They just can't take the mileage that a better made gun can.

I'm afraid this is going to the Model 710 of O/U's. I would be very leary buying one.

Ruger Redhawk

After further laborous research, I'm thinking about getting a better bun, but getting it used. I'm not sure what models to get so suggestions would be helpful. Also, although its not an O/U, I was recomended the remington 1100. Thanks for the replies folks!

You can't go wrong with an 1100. My dad has had his for over 15 years and uses it regularly to grouse hunt with. That thing needs a new forearm and butt. It's really scratched up and the finish is coming off. Horrible to look at, but still does the job nicely.