Well here I am almost a year later and still no gun :cry:
Just looking at Cabela's and like both of these;
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/453/browning-bps-hunter-3-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/36658/weatherby-sa-08-deluxe-semi-auto-shotgun
Both are in my price range. Again I'm a noob.
Shotguns are all about fit. You ave to shoulder them and sight them, see what is comfortable for you. All of my shotguns sight different and some I like shooting more than others because of the fit. You have to keep in mind what you plan on doing with the shotgun. If you are only duck hunting, then a synthetic stock and longer barrel are benefits. If you are backpacking then a shorter barrel is a benefit. Personally, I prefer wood stocks but wouldn't shy away from a good synthetic stock, either.
The BPS is a good shotgun, especially if you are a lefty as it drops the shells out the bottom. Some say it is a little heavy, hard to sight - others love it. If you are looking at pump shotguns, I would also look at the Benelli SuperNova and perhaps the Winchester SXP. The SXP isn't that expensive, but lots of people that have them really like them - they shoulder quick and sight nice.
https://www.reliablegun.com/en/benelli-super-nova-pump-action-shotgun-12ga-3-12-28-vented-rib-blued-black-synthetic-comfortech-stock-4rds-red-bar-front-metal-mid-bead-sights-mobilchokes-icmf
https://www.reliablegun.com/en/browning-bps-hunter-pump-action-shotgun-12ga-3-28-vented-rib-polished-blued-polished-blued-steel-receiver-satin-grade-i-black-walnut-stock-4rds-silver-bead-front-sight-invector-plus-flush-fmic
https://www.reliablegun.com/en/winchester-sxp-campfield-combo-pump-action-shotgun-12ga-3-28-vented-rib-chrome-plated-chamber-bore-matte-matte-aluminum-alloy-receiver-black-composite-stock-5rds-brass-bead-front-sight-invector-plus-f
I personally like using a semi-auto as it reduces the recoil, especially on a 12g. With 20g recoil isn't really a concern for me and I quite like my little 16" over under 20g - it has put a lot of grouse on the table and I even bust clays with it sometimes. If you do plan on shooting trap at a range you should know that some ranges ave a minimum 26" barrel rule so that the old Fudds don't come against the fun little short barrels.
As for semi-auto 12g shotguns, the Weatherby SA-08 is the best bang for the buck out there. They were only $600 a few years ago but the dollar has really jumped them up. There are A LOT of opinions on what semi-auto is best; I prefer the old-school long recoil shotguns versus the newer gas block systems. Either way you go, make sure you get one that can shoot steel shot - as that is a legal requirement now for migratory fowl.
https://www.reliablegun.com/en/weatherby-sa-08-deluxe-gas-operated-semi-auto-shotgun-12ga-3-28-rich-high-llustre-high-gloss-select-grade-walnut-stock-5rds-brass-front-sight-fmic