[bluerider450]

After 5 years of use and abuse I handed down my Mossberg Maverick to my brother. I have about a 500 dollar budget for a new shotty. I will only be using it for dove, quail, and possibly turkey hunting and maybe some skeet shooting. I dont really like the idea of a shotgun for home defense but if I ever change my mind I do have a converted Saiga 12 for tha purpose. So help me out, I know very little about shotguns so I definately appreciate the advice. I really want something that can take some abuse and that will be very reliable. Thanks

[lead-inspector]

Remington 870 Express. Less than your $500 budget, spend the rest for a spare barrel, accessories or ammo.

Steve

[pmeisel]

May not be what you had in mind, but for all my shotgun hunting I've gone to the NEF break-action singles. For $500 you can buy 3 or 4 of them, or a combo rifle barrel with one.

I have a nice Mossberg pump, but I just like the way the singles handle, and I am not worried about the second shot.

[oletymer]

Look at the Browning BPS. It is the best built gun in your price range.

[kb2zya]

at dick's they have a Mossberg 930 with a deer barrel and field barrel +scope.$449.gives some money left for ammo

[MCgunner]

Lots of choices in pumps, a couple in autos and side by sides, a few in O/Us, and of course the single shots. Suit yourself. Were it me, and I wanted to spend 500 bucks on a pump, a Browning BPS could be had used for that.

If you're going to hunt turkey, consider a 3.5" compatible gun. The extra pattern density would be appreciated. Mossberg 835 Ultimag is a good gun, but they're a little heavy for doves. That's the trade off, there. I have a buddy with lots of 870s and Mossbergs and other stuff. His gun for everything is an 835 and he does well with it.