Quote the guys first post:
"looking for my first side by side shotgun, 16ga. or 20ga.
have about $500.00. any ideas or advice on make, new or used.
thanks for any help. "

Here's the issue Brian.
Many of us agree with your recommendation and my first decent double was and still is a Sterlingworth in 12 ga. The problem is just where are you going to find a decent Sterlingworth for $500 in 12 ga? And I think we are all aware that it will run him about 4 times that amount for a 16 or a 20 which is what this guy really wants.
Jim

The 2nd Amendment IS an unalienable right.