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For the price you can't beat it for a home defense shot gun. Here's a blurb from Gun Test Magazine:

When you consider the scant difference in price between these two shotguns, the differences in performance and handling cannot be ignored. Fit and finish of both shotguns was adequate. The Maverick’s blue finish was very nice. The Pardner’s was adequate and business like. The Mossberg featured an additional sighting bead, but the Pardner was drilled and tapped for a hunting scope. The trigger action of the Pardner was lighter by a margin. The recoil pad of the Pardner seemed to limit recoil and was the better looking of the two, our testers said. The Pardner’s safety was easier and faster to manipulate, we thought. The Pardner does not use a plastic trigger housing like the Maverick. Even if you pay $30 more, as Gun Tests did, the Pardner remains the recommended buy. Our team shot the guns using 2.75-inch Winchester Super Target lead shotshells and a Winchester Xpert Game/Target steel load.

hirundo82 wrote:

eureka40 wrote:Also this HD shotgun for 179.

H&R PROTECTOR 12-GA. 18 1/2-IN.

* Gauge: 12
* Barrel length: 18 1/2 in.
* Chamber: 2 3/4 and 3 in.
* Capacity: 5 rounds
* Stock: black synthetic with recoil pad and swivel studs

I'd go with the Maverick 88, which sells for that price all the time at Academy, over the H&R. The Maverick is built on the Mossberg 500 action and shares most parts with the Mossberg. Plus it is made in Texas (Eagle Pass).

I'd check out what Gun Test had to say when they compared the H&R to the Maverick.

Also this HD shotgun for 179.

H&R PROTECTOR 12-GA. 18 1/2-IN.

* Gauge: 12
* Barrel length: 18 1/2 in.
* Chamber: 2 3/4 and 3 in.
* Capacity: 5 rounds
* Stock: black synthetic with recoil pad and swivel studs