I am really simple. If you want something reasonably priced and reliable get a Mossberg 500 Combo package (about $260 on sale at Big 5 in California). Comes with a 26" (28") barrel and 18.5 inch defense barrel. Easily interchange. I have two of them and they have been very reliable. I like pump better than auto. Also 12 gauge is the way to go. More and cheaper ammo. At 30 you should have no problem with the load. In addition, there is a ton of aftermarket stuff available for the Mossberg 500/590 series as well as the remington 870 - another great gun. Like I said I have a 500 and I have tricked that one out and also a 590 Secutiry model that is really tricked out - Blackhawk KNOXX anti recoil stock, heat shield, picatinny rail, hologram red dot sight, bayonet lug, tri mount forward light/laser mount forward. For the gun and all the toys I paid about $750 by buying on sale and scouting the internet. Red dot sight and stock added about $200 to the price, the other stuff was rather inexpensive.