Hi hollywoodfl,
Save your money for a few weeks, and get some trigger time on shotguns belonging to friends and family members, if you have any who are shotgunners. If you do get to go to the range or gun club with them, of course it's good manners if you buy your own ammo. Ask ahead to see what light birdshot loads their gun likes, and pick up a box.
You have a hatful of decisions to make and things to sort out before you buy, and you're much better off being an educated consumer before you put your hard earned money down on the counter and sign the paperwork. You need to know pretty much what you want before you buy anything. You need to know what proper gun fit is for you, gun fit is a critical element of shotgunning and shotguns are made in a 'one size fits most' fashion. Factory standard might not fit you though, and you need to know what modifications if any you need.
Now if none of yor family or friends are shotgunners, don't feel bad. Beginners run into that problem every so often, but it isn't insurmountable. Some ranges rent long guns- look around. Some gun clubs have a rental rack too. And in the meantime, if worst comes to worst, you can be a pest at various gun shops, getting your grubby fingers on various shotguns. I suggest you stick to the used rack for that though 8^).
You need to get yourself a little education in gunhandling, if you don't have it to start with. You'll need to learn the basic controls on various makes and models, where they are and what they do. Sound like a huge task? Don't be silly. Most manufacturers put their owners manuals online- all you have to do is read them. Safe gunhandling is a must, be sure you have the Four Rules firmly engraved in your mind. What Four Rules?
http://thehighroad.org/library/safetyrules.html .
Once you have actually looked at, handled, hefted, mounted, manipulated and even fired various makes and models, you'll be a LOT closer to being able to make an informed decision about what's right for you.
I encourage you to look for training. You might be able to find help at a local gun club. There might be someone teaching that your favorite gun shop can suggest to you. There are NRA basic classes for shotgun as well as pistol and rifle (
http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/basictraining.asp ). The NRA also has a good class called
Personal Protection In The Home that I recommend- you can find instructors, perhaps near you, at the same URL above.
Good training will drastically shorten your learning curve and help keep you from learning bad habits early along. If you don't have anyone around you who will do it for the sake of passing the skills forward to a new shooter, it's worth finding and paying a pro IMHO.
Good luck to you, and Always Stay Safe,
lpl/nc