Maybe "beginner" wasn't the right word. How about "first" over/under. I grew up using singles, pumps and autos. Got the sxs bug in my late 20's and never looked back. All of my shooting is done with a sxs except coastal duck hunting. For some odd reason I now have the itch for an over/under. I decided to limit myself to no more than $4,000 in cost. This should keep me put of trouble with the wife. My youngest son is pushing the Beretta Silver Pigeon III. He thinks I will hate an over/under and will give it to him.