Give your friends and relatives an NRA membership for Christmas. That's what I may do for the ones of mine that aren't anti-gun :-). I really don't care for guns and haven't decided yet.
It’s true that a 12-gauge has quite a recoil, which is why many recommend a 20-gauge. As I wrote above though, even a 20 gauge is not a light kicking gun. Anyone who is going to use any gun for self defense should become proficient with the weapon and periodically practice to maintain competence.
Having said all that, I think recoil is often over-stated. Even smaller shooters (being one myself) can learn to handle the recoil on these guns with a little practice. My 80 pound nephew fires his 20 gauge for a solid hour like it’s nothing. If he can do it, so can a full-grown woman.
A Maverick is a Mossberg 500 clone. It costs a little less and if it's going to spend a lot of time at home and little time at the range may be a better choice but there's no difference in recoil.
I shoot 12 guage 23/4 double aught loads from my Mossberg 500 and it's not something that is going to knock someone down. I have an Asian friend who is 5' 1" and weighs about 100 pounds (maybe). He shoots a Mossberg 590 and loves it. If recoil is really an issue maybe consider a 20 gauge.
The only current production shotgun I'd be concerned about recoil with would be something like a double barrel Stoeger Coach. Mine seems to weigh just slightly more than two shotgun shells and the action is a little looser than I'd like. When I fire it there is a definite bump. After about 20 rounds there's no bruise but my shoulder is sore the next morning. Shoots a nice open pattern though and will put 30 x 53 grain, .33 inch diameter projectiles on a target at 1250 fps quicker than anything else I own.
You just gave me a brilliant idea of what to get my liberal inlaws! NRA memberships!
As for using a shotgun inside, length may be a problem. Standard barrel is 28 inches long, somewhat hard to maneuver in the house. Mossberg does make an 18 1/2 inch barrel that is just longer than the magazine.
Personally, I would like to get the Taurus “Judge.” It is a revolver that fires .45 caliber rounds and .410 shotgun shells. Check out this video:
A 12 GA is a 12 GA. Make and model for a pump isn’t going to affect recoil. That’s a function of the shells you use. 2-3/4, 3”, magnum; Light loads vs. heavy etc. Semi-Auto’s will reduce recoil somewhat over a pump, as some of that energy is used to cycle the bolt.
Someone already said it, but I too thought to give my libtard friends a membership!