Replies

What about a shotgun for the small female who BTW is left handed

I'm LH male.
Remingtons and just about any other make have safeties that are backwards, clumsy for LH folks.

Mossberg is wise in having their safety on the tang(upper part of the receiver). That puts the safety under your thumb no matter right or left handed.
Mossbergs are reliable and cheaper than Remingtons.

Unless you plan on spending a lot of time shooting and having the pistol controls become second nature, get a revolver.
They are very reliable and foolproof.
Check out a Ruger SP101 in .357. I'll bet the grips fit and they are as rugged as they come.

What about a shotgun for the small female who BTW is left handed

A good option is Browning BPS Upland Special - #: 20 Gauge, 3" Chamber, 22" Barrel.

Bottom eject - so good for lefties. Plus it still is not a lefty gun then right handed can shoot w/no issues. Slightly higher in price than a Remington or Mossberg but still in line. 22" is not exactly 20" for home defense but not 28" either.