I am taking up bird hunting with my GSP, and need to purchase a gun. I want something that will be well rounded at a good price. I have been told 20ga, but there seems to be a lot of other spec's involved as well.

This will just be something to get me started, so I wan't the cheapest, non-garbage gun there is.

I live on the Kitsap Peninsula, in Washington State (Seattle area, kinda). Wondering where to go, how much to expect to pay?

Thank you!

What are you going to hunt?

Pheasant, Grouse, and Chukar.

Remington 870 ~ 26" barrel
I would say if you ever consider hunting ducks in the future then go with the 12 gauge super mag (3 1/2").
You could also buy a rifled slug barrel in the future and hunt deer also...

Im too looking into buying a shotgun for Dove, Quail and possibly Waterfowl. How much does the Super Mag usually run in a gun shop?

Can't go wrong with the 870. Remington makes a bazillion of 'em, & they are very versatile, and you can easily customize it as there are alot of parts easily available. I think you can still pick up a decent one for around $300. I'd advise the 12 gauge. Rounds are cheaper & more readily available, & you can get lighter loads for the smaller birds.

I personally use a Benelli SuperNova 12 ga. pump. Set me back $400, & I can put 150 rounds through it @ the sporting clays field & barely feel it. Unfortunately, prices have come up since then...

I live around Gig Harbor and I just started hunting this last season. I hunt for pheasant, quail, chukar, grouse,and dove. I went through this in nov/dec. My choices were the 870 12 guageor benelli nova 12 guage due to pricing and reliability. I got a nova for christmas but I havenot shot it yet. I like the option of 3-1/2" shells if I choose to hunt duck. I am also planning to hunt turkey when the season comes. Good luck on your decision!

So my only concern is that I am of the female persuasion, and have no prior shooting experience. I was advised that a 12ga may be a little too heavy for me, is this not accurate?

ummm a good gun is a 870 12gauge pump full choke thats my choice and it works pretty good

If it's mainly upland birds you're going to hunt then you definately get by {very well I might add} w/ a .20 gauge.If you want less recoil you might want to look into a Remington 1100 or 11-87.I have the Reminton 870 in 12 gauge it's been a very reliable,fits me good & I've taken a far amount of game with it.One more point I want to make MAKE SURE THE GUN FIT YOU COMFORTABLELY.This will make a big difference in the way you shoot.
I dont know if this is proper to post here so if it isn't my apoligies to the moderator.
Try this site there's alot of great info on shotgunning:Shotgunworld.com