What is the Best Shotgun?

[ChristSavage]

In 2 weeks, there will be a gunshow within reasonable driving distance of where I live, and I'm looking to buy a shotgun for hunting / home defense for sure.  Which shotgun(s) r the best value OVR (by that I mean durability, price of ammo, etc.) to not only look for, but educate myself on be4 hand?  Never fired a shotgun, just a .22 cal handgun a few times from my stepdad on private property.

On a side note, also will be looking for rifles, and perhaps even a handgun, best recommendations on those 2?

[Dok]

AA-12

[70983]

I say get a Saiga-12 if you can. 

Based on the reliable AK models

[pujyboy]

If you want a pump action get a Remington 870, Mossberg 500, or Winchester 1300.

For an auto you are going to pay more. Remington 1100's will start the low end, Benelli tactical models will occupy the upper end.

A Saiga 12 is good as well but you will need mags and you can't throw a rifled slug barrel on whenever you feel like hunting large game.

[thought_criminal]

  The automatic models are neat, but I like the old fashioned sawed off double barrel 12 gauge
   No range to speak of, but up close it's a monster... And it's easy to conceal.

   I wonder if there are any sort of automatic models (like pic above) that can function with a shortened barrel.
  In urban settings (like popping around a corner), you can't beat a sawed off.
   It'll cut someone in half up close.

   Otherwise I like the Mossberg pistol grip. I've only played with one once... they *are* top notch.
 
  As for handgun:  Sig sauer P226     If you can afford a $700 pistol

[Geolibertarian]

Can't go wrong with a Mossberg 500.