I like the remington 870 express, which handles 2 3/4 + 3" shells. there is a version which comes with an 18"cylinder bore, witha single bead site and a synthetic stock, the finish is flat. In my area they sell new for around $279.00......This is just fine the way it is sold and there is a wealth of parts and information on the shotgun around, as you get more experienced or want to improve the shotgun you can, the options could include...big head safety button, hi-visibility follower, mag extension-this requires having the bump in the mag tube tapped out, and the inevitable flashlight forearms with its own unique properties, and night sights, and of course the obligatory side saddle to hold the 6 extra rounds........if you choose to go with a semi auto, you need to check into the beretta 1201 and excellent shotgun out of the box, they are light weight, easy handling, good sights and fast recovery time and I recently saw one nib for $495.00 at a gun show-im not sure were that price is in the hi-lo range of prices for that shotgun. there is also a bennelli, it has all the same attributes of the beretta, handling/weight etc., but its cost is considerably more in my area. There is also the remington 1187--it is heavier then the above mentioned shotguns, but is a well made and nice domestic shotgun, like the 870 a million parts around for them...the prices in my area are hi600-hi 700's ...with regards to bore size stay with a smooth bore as it will be the most versatile and the stock capacity of the guns above will be sufficent, and you can increase the 870's one or two rounds depending on the barrel length you settle on, Id stay with an 18 inch cyl bore my self......For ammo, and it will depend were you live and what is around that can be harmed if you miss, but I generally avoid the 3"magnums and stick with the federal reduced tatical loadings and they pattern well and have proven to be effective---I use to think that bird shot would be ok in a house to eliminate over penetration and possible damage to someone else--Ive changed thinking on that recently to believe that if a bg gets behind something i want the ability to take him out of the picture and not have the shot stopped by say furniture etc...one of the best things you can do for yourself is to find a competent instructor on the shotgun or at the very least read up on it from the likes of John Farnam, Massad Ayoob, and John Shaw, and there are many others.....be sure and check out malfunction clearing, reloading under stress, the way to carry within a building and the safe use of a flashlight attached to the forearm........fubsy.
[This message has been edited by fubsy (edited August 10, 1999).]