I can't belive no one has mentioned the Benelli Super Black Eagle. It is without a doubt the best shotgun in that price range if you want a semi auto action. None of the other shotguns even come close. The Benelli will go bang, bang, bang, every single time. It is also the easiest to clean out of any semi on the market. The Winchester Super X models don't even come close. The Browning models are no comparison. The Beretta's are close but still a little harder to clean. I have never owned a Vinci but I wouldn't be surprised if it was as good or better. Benelli is the way to go if you are looking for the best semi action.

Now if you are looking for an over under, that opens up a whole new can of worms.

I'm really partial to my Red Label it fits me nice.

For $1200, the choices of shotguns is almost exhausting. What throws a kink in things is one word, "skeet".

So, just how serious are you about shooting games? They can become addictive, and the shotgun you carry afield soon becomes "unrefined" in the unforgiving world of clay birds. It's not always the "snobs" in some clubs, either. You will quickly feel the difference between your club-like pump or auto once you wield an O/U.

My upland gun is without question a rather plain Beretta 686 (White Wing) that I paid something like $900 for almost ten years ago. I also shoot a lot of trap with it. Guys on my league have nicer shotguns, but it's not about how it looks.

My advice is this, first - if you're serious about shooting games, you're going to wind up wanting an O/U anyway. You'd just as well start with one. If your interest in skeet or trap is just occasional, you can consider an auto or pump. If you plan on being a volume shooter, 12 or 20 gauge are all you should consider. Price 16 or 28 gauge ammunition and you'll understand why. Second - find one that fits you. I went into the dealer wanting a Citori, and walked out with the Beretta. Fit and feel may serve you better than brand loyalty. I'm in the market now for an Onyx myself.

However, there is much truth in the "three B's" if you buy used: Browning, Beretta, Benelli.