[HapXL]

My father is what I would call a casual hunter, going out at least once a year with my uncle. He mostly hunts deer but doesn't own his own gun and has to rely on my uncle letting him use one of his. I remember him going out to the firing range and the days before he had planed to go hunting and how much fun he had.

I want to get him a shotgun for his birthday; but I am so clueless that if were to go shopping for one right now it would be like giving an Amish money and telling him to invest in the Japanese stock market.

I'm looking for one that is reliable and fairly easy to maintain. Cost is not an issue, and neither would time be (his birthday is in November) if the suggested gun is order only.

Any help and/or suggestions would be gladly accepted.

[WillBrayJr]

The Remington 870 Express. A combo will run around $375.00 at sporting goods stores like Dicks. A combo is a shotgun with two barrels, one rifled and one field barrel.

[Dave McCracken]

An 870, Express or Wingmaster. It's the SAK of shotguns...

[mod12]

i'd take a long, hard look at the ithaca guide series mentioned in a previous post.

[Rupestris]

XL,
Remington 870
On the upper left part of your screen you'll cee "User CP". Click on that and put in your location and a couple other items you might not mind sharing(age, intrests...).
Remington 870
If you are local to some of the members here you might get a chance to handle/shoot a couple different shotguns. From what I have seen, most folks here are willing to help. Especially if it means a trip to the range. :p
Remington 870
Welcome to The High Road!
Remington 870
As for my suggestion, I'd say any of the Shotguns listed in the "Big Four" thread.
Remington 870