I used this H&R Topper as a squirrel gun, and it hit hard on both ends. For the price point, this is a fine, functional shotgun. It is dead simple in operation. It ignited and ejected the round 100%. You load a round in the thing, cock it only when you need to shoot. This mechanism uses a transfer bar, so when the hammer is lowered, and the trigger released, nothing hitting the hammer will cause the firing pin to touch the primer. The simplicity of operation makes it ideal for a novice. Loading, firing, ejecting is almost intuitive.
Sure, when I got enough money, I purchased a pump shotgun, but you know, it did not knock them down any better than the Topper. Having a second shot to waste always made me feel better, but it really was the first shot that counted. Single barrel shotguns have been made in the millions, and I would guess they have gotten more game, on farms, fields, etc, than any other type. I carried it round in the chamber, hammer down, and a couple of shells between the fingers of the right hand when I was hunting. A single barrel shotgun is a working gun and it does that function well.
I think the case is real, the receiver has to be inexpensive plain carbon steels, there is no need for more expensive steels. I miss H&R, the company made good rifles, pistols, and shotguns for decades.