I'm preetty much in agreement with POS. Around here you can pick-up a used 870 or Winchester Model 12 (or 1200, I prefer the 12) advertised in local sales paper for under $200.

Think of it like you do a car for a newbie driver. I'd start with a used one in good working order to get the feel of if, etc. Once you have the care and feeding down, look for the shotgun of your dreams. I just think it would be a shame to plunk down major bucks on a high quality, new weapon before getting experienced enough to understand the choices on a personal level.

FWIW, a mentor of mine when I was a kid was a champion doubles trapshooter. She practiced with a Model 12 look-alike chambered in .410. Used a O/U (don't recall mfr) in competition. I saw her shoot 100 straight in competition. She was also hell on doves and quail.

B

PS If you get an older Model 12 beware that you MUST release the trigger when pumping or when you jack the shell into teh chamber, it will immediately fire. That's can be an unwelcome surprise.