text: i want to buy a shotgun and would like to hear some advice from people who owned one before? i was thinking maybe the 535 ats slugster. has anyone ever owned one? are there any problems with it? bound's hubby here:  i would recommend a remington model 870 pump shotgun. remington offers two different type of model 870, the express and teh wingmaster.   the 870 express is an affordable entry level five shot, pump action shotgun. it has an alloy receiver, hardwood stock, and a phosphate/parkerized finish. you can generall find this model on sale at dick's sporting goods for about $260 or with a bird barrel and a deer barrel for about $340.  the model 870 wingmaster is a more traditional five shot, pump action shotgun. it comes with a steel receiver, blued finish and walnut stocks (it's prettier). the model 870 wingmaster has been around since the early 1950's. it is durable, it is long lasting, it is reliable and it is fool proof. you can buy one (depending u[on grade) starting at about $600.   i have had bad experiences in the past with the mossberg line. i would not recommend one. the winchester line that is currently being produced is very limited.   i would recommend a pump shotgun (remington 870, browning bps) over a semi-automatic because of safety versus experience level. double barrel shotguns are good but limiting. a pump, using the plug, gives you a third shot as back-up that a double barrel just doesn't offer. i think single shot shotguns (unless it's the only thing you can afford) are severly limiting and shouldn't be counted on for hunting.   good luck.  edited to add:  for randkl: i had a mossberg model 144 bolt blow apart on me while shooting standard velocity .22 long rifle ammunition in a match. the bolt handle separated, and the bolt backed half-way out of the receiver. yes, it may have been a fluke, but it happened ... fortunately there was no physical injury ... but it did happen! my gunsmith determined that it was a product flaw/quality control issue ... perhaps this incident was isolated and not indicative of the mossberg line ... but i consider myself fortunate ... and i do not wish to take another chance on mossberg's products ... my choice ... i am not imposing it on anyone!  again, good luck!