Returning to the subject at hand: Brian, I have to respectfully disagree. You might find one of Ted's Nitros or Long Ranges, or a Hunter Fulton, in 20ga for that kind of money. I bought an Ithaca SKB 200E Skeet for about $700 not long ago, which is getting pretty close to the budget in question--and a very nice Miroku 12 for $400. Make that a 20, add another $100. Choices are a lot more limited at $500, especially if one insists on a 20 or 16, but there are some decent ones out there. Perhaps a few more these days than not so long ago, given the economy. But it will take some looking.