O/U opinions?

[270man]

Fellow Scattergunners - A friend is considering the purchase of an O/U shotgun and has been eyeing some models under $500. One even sells for $350 + tax. I've had experience with a Winchester 101, a Browning Citori and a Ruger Red Label. All of these shotguns currently run around $1000 and more. The Winchester and the Browning are lighter in weight than the Ruger but they all perform well and are quality shotguns.

My question: Can one really get a quality O/U for under $500? I don't know anything about the qualities/features of the current crop (one is sold by Stoeger) of low-priced shotguns.

Your thougths and opinions?

270man