2
by SubRosa
A pump gun can last a very long time, even neglected.
An autoloader, not so much without maintenance.
Double barrels/over-unders work well but are a bit more flimsy than an autoloader, even moreso with megabuck items.
Broken wood is a sign of abuse, and may make it very unsafe to shoot. Luckily, most replacement wood is available.
Shotgun barrels don't wear out, but they get dented, rusty, or sawn off too short (<18")
An old $25 bird gun beater could be fixed up as a good home defense deal.
Subs
"Oozing charm from every pore, he oiled his way around the floor."