I wanted to try skeet or trap but not sure which shotgun to get. Don't really want a pump either. Something around $500-$700, any recommendations?

You should give the Remington 1100 serious consideration.  The Remington 1100 or 11-87 (used) would be good options - you can find used models in your price range on gunbroker.  The 1100 is the softest shooting of all semi-autos which helps in trap and skeet to reduce fatigue on the shooter.  You'll want to get a hull catcher though if you go the semi-auto route to save your back from having to constantly bend over to pick up your hulls every round.

If a semi isn't to your liking you might want to look at an entry level O/U shotgun - very very few people use side by sides anymore.  In your price range a good O/U may be hard to come by so you might have to settle on a decent used model Beretta or Browning.  You might be able to find an upland game hunting O/U on a gun website for cheap as well.

Usually at the range clubhouse people will post index cards with stuff to sell.  I'm not sure if SRG or Kokohead Skeet still do this though. 

welcome to the sport, there are many varied opinions on which gun to get for trap and which gun for skeet, unfortunately if you are really serious one gun will not work for both. a good starter gun would be an 1100, i started with one but because you shoot so many rounds you need to be aware of the gas system getting dirty and having problems with the operation of the gun. the next step up would be something that cycles with an inertia system ie benelli or berrettas. over and unders are the preference of most shooters for many reasons which i can't get into because theres just too much info and i can't type as fast as i can think so go out to the range and talk to the guys or pm me and we can talk on the phone good luck......

Trap and skeet are very different sports, and what makes a good trap gun is different from what makes a good skeet gun.  If you are planning to become GOOD at both, you are eventually going to want a different gun for each.

That being said, an O/U is a great choice for either.  Make sure it has interchangeable chokes.  For skeet, you want very little choke, as most of your shots are pretty close.  For trap, you want a lot of choke, since ranges never get closer than 16 yards, and get as far as 33 yards. 

You'll never take more than 2 shots at a time in either sport, so two barrels is just right. 

In skeet, you swing the gun from side to side a lot, so a shorter barrel reduces weight and inertia, making those shots easier.  Also, at close ranges the birds break easier, so you could opt for 20 gauge to save wear and tear on your shoulder.

In trap, it's all long range, so you need a tight choke with a good pattern.  Longer barrels are generally preferred, but a short barrel with a good choke will get you out to 21 yards no problem. 12 gauge is essential to reach longer ranges.

So, look for an O/U with a relatively short barrel and interchangeable chokes.   

Sports Authority used to carry a line called, I think, Stoeger.  They came in both 12 and 20 gauge.  I looked at buying one many times because they were affordable, but I picked up a nice Beretta in a pawn shop some years ago and don't really need a second O/U. 

I was gonna ask if anyone has experience with the Stoeger O/U's.

They look decent and are affordable.

I was gonna ask if anyone has experience with the Stoeger O/U's.

They look decent and are affordable.

I'm still thinking about picking one up in 20 gauge for when I take a new person out for the first time.  Maybe even a youth model, so I can use it with the Boy Scouts.  Most of what I read about them falls in the "pretty decent gun for the price" category.

I'm still thinking about picking one up in 20 gauge for when I take a new person out for the first time.  Maybe even a youth model, so I can use it with the Boy Scouts.  Most of what I read about them falls in the "pretty decent gun for the price" category.

I saw a Stoeger O/U on sale at Sec Eq today. $500 something....

ive been shooting skeet with my JM Pro series semi-loader with a 24 inch barrel aint the best but it works. shot my best game of 21 today.. only thing i dont really like is chasing hulls all over the place, but i can live with it although i wouldnt mind a o/u

PM sent re: Remington 1100