I bought a Pardner Pump Protector this week. 18.5" barrel simple bead site and synthetic black stock. I really like the gun, Hope to get out and shoot it, maybe tomorrow. These guns look very well made, as I have had it apart and cleaned it. They are packed with some aweful oil/grease stuff but it cleans pretty easy. The Parkerizing (I think?) looks to be pretty good, and soaks up a good amount of oil. I dont think one could go wrong with one of these guns at all. $199 will not buy you any other low end shotgun brand new, mossbergs forearms rattle so much I wont buy one.
My 1300 is much smoother and will remain my clays and field gun, but if I need something to knock around, I wont mind taking the Pardner. Bought the Pardner mostly as a HD gun anyway.
I say buy it.