Yildiz O/U
I recently bought a Yildiz 20 ga at Academy ($388)for my wife as a cheap way to get her into the sport (she liked it because it was pretty, I liked it because it was a very reasonably priced o/u). The deciding factor in buying this gun was due to the fact that the warranty is through Briley, who is based in Katy, TX, which is 15min. from my house. If anything goes wrong with it, I can take it to them rather than ship it. Her first trip to the range with this gun was a few weeks ago. It was really hot and she pooped out after a box. I shot the rest. The following are my impressions of the gun.
1. Very, Very, Very Lightweight. Being a 20 the recoil wasn't bad, for me, however it bothered my wife. I imagine a 12 would hurt you after a while. In either case a good recoil pad should negate it.
2. Very tight out of the box- will probably loosen up after more shooting, we'll wait and see.
3. It is well balanced and hits where you point it (I hit 24/25)
4. Not one problem, again it has only had 50 rnds through it, so we will wait and see.
4. Personally I think it is a great looking gun.
Overall a good gun so far. In fact, because of my experience with it, I have been looking for an o/u for myself. I currently have a BPS which I've owned for many many years, great gun but I'm starting to get tired of pumping the dang thing.
I looked at the "special" Yildiz the other day at Academy($599), not only does it have all the extra "engraving" it also looks like it is a little heavier duty. I think it would be worth a look, especially if you want a 12ga.
The Stoeger, SKB, and BSA's are nice too, havent shot any of them, but they seem well put together and in your price range.