Your first priority should be for home defense, and basic food gathering. Preferably something the spouse can use.
20 gauge shotgun. Mossberg 500 for example. Get the youth/bantam model as it has a small frame which is easier to maneuver when clearing a hallway, and if your spouse is of smaller stature she can use it too.
Use buckshot for home defense, not the target loads you practice with, and a you don’t have to be a good shooter to hit a bad guy w/ a shotgun. additionally, it’s good for small game, even turkeys, if you need to hunt.
The farmers out on the plains during the last century all at least had a shotgun.
Good points!