The only reason to do without the buttstock is for using in tight quarters. When it comes to actual shooting then firing from the shoulder is vastly better.
I would buy a 20 gauge if I was buying the gun for you.
If you do get a shotgun get a big sheet of cardboard, mark some aiming spots on it and shoot at them from ten feet or so, fifteen, twenty and so forth while backing up. This will give you an idea of the shot spread at different distances. You will be surprised at the small spread at close distances.
BTW, a fairly decent gunsafe is a real good investment for guns and other stuff.
PS, some states require shotguns, no rifles, for deer hunting.
I’m full of opinions. :-)
Nothing eliminates a strong kick except a well designed weapon with a shoulder pad on the but stock, which Benelli makes.
But more important to eliminating "kick" is holding the weapon firmly against your shoulder or firmly in your hands.
Again, practice shooting will teach you how to do this.
Don't fear the kick, but learn to handle it.
Start with lighter loads in the ammo, and
learn to read and understand the information given on the side of the ammo box.
Accuracy is about practice and distance from the end of the barrel to the target. (Practice, practice, practice)
With a shotgun, depending on your shells, accuracy isn't that important, but scatter pattern is (a matter of distance).
With a shotgun, long range is anything beyond about 75 feet, and with an 18" barrel, that would be reduced due to scatter pattern.
A "Goose Gun" normally had a barrel length of 36 inches, and a very heavy load of gunpowder.
Home defense with a shotgun is normally concerned about shooting through walls, and some people want the ability to kill a criminal behind a door or a wall, while other people don't.
It's really what you think you want that matters.
But only practice at shooting targets, will make you comfortable with your shotgun, and will help you with your ability and comfort in using and owning one.
Before you buy a shotgun, go to a gun range or a gun club and ask to take some lessons with different types of shotguns.
It'll be time and money well spent, BEFORE YOUR PURCHASE.