[M.T. Pockets]

SJJ,

For shooting slugs out to 50 yards or so, you can do that easily with a birdgun. Not as good as a rifled barrel, or with a scope. You won't be shooting 1" groups but you'll kill deer all day long. Most deer in slug zones are taken with this set up. Over the years I've shot a small herd with a BPS with a 28" tube (using the improved cyl. choke). Others have done the same with 870's, model 12's.......

My dad has a 1300 and in my opinion, I'd rather have an 870, BPS, or even an old Ithica 37. In this price range I wouldn't rule out the Nova either.

I shot a pump from ages 11 - 39, then I got an autoloader. I prefer the autoloader a great deal for birds & targets. For skeet I think you'd really like the autoloader. I still use a pump for deer.

Check out the used gun racks too, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a quality gun that will do what you want it to do for you.