What say the fire? Looking for something under $400. 24-26" barrel preffered.

I’ve bought two Model 12’s for $250. each. A better deal than you will find anything new for $400.

Also forgot to mention, I'd prefer a steel receiver and not an alloy.

The Remington Sportsman that Troutnut has listed for the last week or so in classifieds. If you don't like barrel length it takes 870 barrels, easy to find.

20 gauge
https://ammoandarmsstore.com/20036/
https://ammoandarmsstore.com/512293691/
https://ammoandarmsstore.com/50136/

12 gauge
https://ammoandarmsstore.com/512293391/
https://ammoandarmsstore.com/r25589/
https://ammoandarmsstore.com/512251391/

The used rack is going to have model 12s, Ithaca 37s, Mossberg 500s and Remington 870's and all are good options and probably in that price range. I picked up a Remington Sportsman (870) several years ago for $150 dollars. The stock was in sad shape and the barrel had been hack sawed to 18 1/2". I sold the barrel for $50 and went shopping on eBay for replacement stocks. I picked up a Remington take off stock and forend, in snow camo, for $170. The two barrels I bought for $100 each. I have a little over $400 in mine but not much more. I did have to modify the forend by removing the tail that came down under the receiver when the action was open. It prevented the use of the shell carrier.

I haven't paid over $185 for a shotgun since, well, ever!
I've got 2 Win M12, 1 Stevens 67D and a Rem "Sportsman".
A 12 ga Rem 870, a .410 and a 20 gauge.
Plus a couple heirlooms tucked back in the safe!

Were I looking for "an other" shotgun, I'd be hitting pawn shops, flea markets, local "Want Ads" etc.

Like "mart" look for "beaters" that can be picked up for a song. Couple of parts and a little ingenuity and you can be right where you wanna be.

I wish I had taken a before picture on my Sportsman/870. It was pretty rough.

Your best bet is the used gun rack in your local shop or pawn shop . 870s , some model 12s, Winchester 1200s , might get lucky on an Ithaca 37. Unfortunately its tough to find much of a deal these days. That Sportsman i have posted I'll sell for $400 shipped then you just have the transfer at your FFL. Great guns and uses all 870 parts and barrels.

Lots of old guys selling guns around sportsman's clubs and gun clubs. Occasionally a deal to be had on a great shogun or two....M12, 870, 1100, Browning O/U etc. You might even be able to take it for a test run if it's at a gun club.