The best value in quality S/Ss is found in the Spanish guns. Can't go wrong with AYA, Arrieta or Ugartechea. Most Spanish makers are now out of business but the used market has many great values.
Bob Jurewicz

Those are three I have looked at often, but not familiar enough with them to really know what's a good gun, good deal, etc..... I Was just looking at a very nice looking Arrieta the other day.....

I personally like Italian guns. Bernardelli shotguns are a great value and a very nice one can be had for well under $5K. Also, check out B. Rizzini and the FAIR shotguns. All great values. The Upland Gun Company is now offering an Italian gun from RFM, built to your specifications starting around $2k. All very good options. My favorite are Poli shotguns. They can get pricey but if you buy at auction or see one of the Cole’s imports on GI, you can get a really fantastic shotgun for under $5K.

One of the "best values" in European doubles is the Husqvarna 310s --

Attachment 94908

My WW-I vintage 12-gauge and 1947 vintage 16-gauge --

Attachment 94909

That's the second time I've heard the name Husqvarna for a SxS and same comment about being under rated. As far as Spanish, pick up a copy of Spanish Best, it's a pretty good read about Spanish guns. I picked up a little aYa 16g for under a grand and it's worn but handles nice and is a certifiable rainy day duck gun choked F/XF coming in at a tad over 6lbs. Could also slay a gobbler which she'll get whirl at this year after the Trojan.

I acquired a Webley & Scott 702 12 gauge 3 or 4 years ago, made in Birmingham in the '60s. Weighs 6 lb 10 oz. Would by in OP's price range. I like it!

The Brits got it right with 12g in my eye. I don't think anyone does it better. Then again, they're not 3" goose slayers, they're "proper games guns" and handle as such : ) I, however, will not wear them knicker things.

Dont overlook JP Sauer. Especially their early guns. This is a 16 ga 28" barreled "side lock Knock about" with cocking indicators. Sweet gun. 2.5" shells and Krupp marked "3 ring barrels" It was made in 1897 or so. Solid gun.

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https://i.imgur.com/1Vu5riw.jpg

Can't beat the early Husqvarna guns the 310 series and 201 sidelocks are fantastic guns,the actions were based on Sauer guns and tweaked by Husqvarna but remember like most- earlier made the better

Euro shotgun dealer
 

I have purchased several English shotguns from Charlie Pfleger at Hill Rod and Gun in Bozeman MT. He is very knowledgeable about vintage English shotguns and updates his inventory several times a year. His web site is: http://www.hillrodandgun.com/