The Firing Line

What's a good beginner's O/U for Sporting Clays? + General Tips

Hi all-

New to the forums! I wanted to get your input regarding the best O/U 12 gauge for a beginner, mainly for use in sporting clays, with a bit of trap and skeet on the side. I've never owned a shotgun and am somewhat new to clays, but have been going out for the past 8 months or so and am starting to get the itch to stop having to use the rentals as I improve as well. I mentioned O/U's specifically because after having shot both during this time, I just enjoy the feeling of them better than the semi's I've rented. I do understand that also brings a higher price tag typically, but as I am a beginner and not using it for hunting as well, maybe I could get away with something from this list for example:
http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/guns/shotguns/double-guns/2012...

The Savage and Mossberg ones in that list in particular caught my eye.

I suppose I'm looking for any general advice on purchasing a first shotgun as well. Like I said, it will be used primarily for sporting clays and I live in a very dry climate so I don't have to worry about shooting in bad weather, so while I understand the benefits of getting a nicer one now that will last, I don't have the financial edge to be going over 1k at the moment, nor do I think I deserve one that nice for my skill level.

Thanks for reading, looking forward to hearing your thoughts!