Brian, the problem with Winchester 24's, other than they're ugly, is that they say "Winchester". Terrible inflation on the "poor man's 21". But those guns do have good dimensions--and I agree with you that the prices (except the 12's) are ridiculous.

If we're talking 12ga, then he stands a pretty good chance of finding either an SKB 100 with some miles or a Miroku-made Charles Daly for that $500 he has to spend. Actually, if he just takes a look at Mark's Born Again Birdguns, on this website, he could certainly find himself a decent 12 for $500, and have quite a few choices.