I need a shotgun for some upland bird hunting and to shoot up the occasional clay pigeon.  Money is  a big factor.  Since this would probably be a few months before i purchase, i would have to save up for it.  What are my options under $1k, under $1200 and under $1500?  ALso is a 12 guage too big for pheasants,quail,grouse or is it ok with shorter shells?

For trapshooting a pump or single shot will do just fine, but for sporting clays and skeetshooting an over/under or an autoloader is a big advantage to break them doubles. I use a Remington 1100 for field and skeet shooting, swapping between a 26" skeet choke target bead barrel and a 28" vent rib mod choke barrel.

The Beretta 390 and Browning Citori G_F mentioned are excellent choices too.

I don't think a 12 ga. is too big for any upland bird hunting. Dove are unbelievably tough little critters, and with a 12 ga you get a few more pellets and slightly higher velocity than a 20 ga. But I know guys who use a 20 ga with good success. I know an older gentleman who uses a .410 for dove hunting, but he's an excellent wingshooter. But the downside is that he can only pick close in shots, whereas I can reach out some distance with a 12 ga.

Quoted: For trapshooting a pump or single shot will do just fine, but for sporting clays and skeetshooting an over/under or an autoloader is a big advantage to break them doubles. I use a Remington 1100 for field and skeet shooting, swapping between a 26" skeet choke target bead barrel and a 28" vent rib mod choke barrel. The Beretta 390 and Browning Citori G_F mentioned are excellent choices too. I don't think a 12 ga. is too big for any upland bird hunting. Dove are unbelievably tough little critters, and with a 12 ga you get a few more pellets and slightly higher velocity than a 20 ga. But I know guys who use a 20 ga with good success. I know an older gentleman who uses a .410 for dove hunting, but he's an excellent wingshooter. But the downside is that he can only pick close in shots, whereas I can reach out some distance with a 12 ga.

I forgot to mention I was looking for an over an under and not a semi like the 1100 or a pump like the 870

Quoted: You can't go wrong with the Browning Citori or Ruger Red Label. I have about ten Citoris and not a single one have ever let me down in about ten years.

How much is a citori going to run?  Are the chokes able to be removed and changed?  Does it come with all the chokes available for it?  Choke remover tool?

The Citoris are great - One can be had for around $1000 if you look around. They gor for about $1200 new. I also have a Winchester 101 O/U that I love too. Someday im going to buy a Ruger Red Label.