A pump shotgun is really good for home defense. But as I once learned the embarrassing way, periodical practice is necessary. Know your distances and patterns.
What do you mean? Just interested. I’ve got a 12 ga. With a short (18” - legal) barrel I probably don’t take out often enough. Historically out to about 12-15 yards it has a pattern about the size of a ping pong ball when loaded with double ought. After 15 it starts to spread and by 25 you’ve got pellets that aren’t even hitting paper. I would note that shortening that barrel from 22” to 18” made that thing kick like a mule.
Unfortunately, a 12 gauge has too much recoil for many women. An AR15, however, is smooth as silk.