First time, you cannot really go wrong with either the Mossy 500 or Remmy 870. I have a Mossy 500 setup for HD and the 870 is my bird gun. Both are proven and very solid platforms. Also accessories are plentyful for both.
For your budget you could have two seperate shotties. Trying to use one for both HD and skeet will be difficult. I have been known to run my 18.5'' 500 at skeets before and it is kind of fun!
|