I have had a Ruger Red Label 28 ga for several years, and I like it a lot.
IIRC, Savage imported a pretty nice Italian O/U 20 ga, sorry but the name escapes me at the moment. I seem to recall they were closed-out at around $800. There may be some used ones out there for a good price.
If you have access to an Academy Sporting Goods, drop in and have a look at the Yildiz O/U. They are made on a 20 ga frame, but it is a light alloy with a stainless steel breech insert. Sub-6 lbs. and sub-$500.
CZ's are a bit heavier and a bit more expensive, but are pretty good guns with an excellent warranty and service. Still under or close to a grand.
