I concur on the Ruger 10/22, never had a Papoose. The clincher was when my wife got into shooting. She liked it so much, it became “her gun”. We tricked it out a bit, and darned if she can’t emasculate houseflies w/ it! (outside, of course!)
For a shotgun, consider a Remington 870. The slug barrel comes with sights. Remove one large nut and you can interchange barrels. The short slug barrel is great for parking by your bedside. You can use the same barrel for deer hunting. Add a longer barrel for birds and small game.
The Papoose is a take down and removable barrell. I am as accurate at 100 yards with it as the 10/22. Only drawback is the Marlin Clips and magazines.