Some shotguns do not need fancy words. The Mossberg 500 Hunting All Purpose Field is a 12 gauge pump with a 3" chamber and a 28" blued barrel.

The 500 line has been selling for decades, and the field version is a solid choice for doves, ducks, and clay birds. A 28" barrel gives a smooth swing and a long sight radius. The 3" chamber accepts standard field loads and heavier shells for waterfowl. Pattern your chosen load on a large sheet of paper at the distance you expect to shoot, because every shotgun prints a little differently.

Blued steel looks classic and takes a good oiling. In North Carolina's humid weather, wipe it down after hunts so rust does not creep in.

Parts and accessories for the 500 are everywhere, from extra barrels to different stocks. That means you can start with a field gun and add a deer barrel or a home defense setup later.

If you want one reliable shotgun at a fair price, a Mossberg 500 is hard to beat. New condition. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for pickup and the background check.