$300 will get you a benelli nova. thats where i would go if you got a little flex in your budget. otherwise mossberg 835 is a great gun for the $$$, i don't think they're too much less than a nova
stick with a 12 gauge and one that will shoot 3" and 3 1/2" mags. this way you could try turkey hunting some day, which i did this spring and it is addicting. can't wait for next spring.
as someone earlier mentioned his rattling mossberg. they rattle, but you can't break them. i could see how one would think it weas a lack of quality, but don't let it bother you.