With a $1500 budget it shouldn't be too hard to find a nice sxs.
I shoot a Bernardelli Elos 12ga at 5 lb 15 oz all steel and walnut around a $K now.
It is a down market for 2 trigger sxs's now, you should be able to find something nice.
You might want to look here.
http://www.757arms.com/c-4-sxs.aspx