Thanks to all who've replied.
I was told a lot of years ago, if you stay quiet and listen, you might learn something:) This thread really is like eavesdropping on a conversation where a lot of experienced people are chatting, I have learned a lot and now have some idea about where to start asking questions.
I feel the need to jump in and highly recommend the Remington model 870 pump shotgun.
Having hunted with shotguns for 40 years I have owned them all. I don't like Mossbergs because of the shabby bars the pump action slides on. Put one in your hands and twist the front slide back and forth, now do it while pumping it. It binds. Same for Winchesters and Weatherby's. I have not tried Binelli's new pumps.
Clenaing is another important consideration. The Remington 870 comes apart neatly by removing the front magazine cap and two pins for the firing mechanism. Goes back together just as easy.
The Mossbergs fall apart during disassembly leaving you with parts to put back in, if you can figure where they were before they fell out. I hate cleaning my Mossbergs (yes I own a few).
Finally reliability. I own three Reminton 870s and my wife has one also. We shot competitive trap for 20 years and never have they failed us, after hundreds of thousands of rounds. I have put my hunting shotguns through literal hell. Drug through the mud, dropped in half frozen lakes, sat out in freezing drizzle, 30 below zero, blowing sand, you name it. The 870 is RELIABLE. period. My Mossbergs and Winchesters have failed me in the past. There are a few more geese flying around out there as a result. LOL!
I would recommend to you, assuming you are a novice with firearms and have a spouse around:
Remington model 870. 20 guage 3 inch magnum.(note, shoot 2 3/4 inch shells in your 3 inch magnum to avoid the possibility of a jam during ejection). Choke doesn't really matter for close range protection, but open chokes like improved cylinder will help hitting targets at 20 yards or so. Bird shot, 8's will do, is great for close range and less chance of putting anything into your neighbors house. ALSO TAKE A FIREARMS TRAINING CLASS.
One thing is for sure. If you ask for advice on firearms here on FRee Republic, you sure get your moneys worth.
All the Best,