See GoatGranny’s post above. If you are on the small and light side I think a good FIRST gun is the Remington 870 in 20 gauge, and maybe even a youth model. Although my wife is on the short and light side and does fine with my full size model (20 ga.)
She doesn’t like the 12 gauge.
A pump shotgun is relatively easy to use and clean, can be loaded with a variety of ammo (cheap bird shot for practice, buckshot for in-the-home defense, and slugs for longer shots or to put a close-range deer on the dinner table).
Also find a gun range to practice at. I know with handguns you can rent a bunch of different kinds to see what you like and what feels good to you. I suppose some places might have shotguns and rifles too.
Of course if you mainly are concerned about your safety walking home at night from the bus stop - then perhaps the shotgun isn’t the best choice for your first gun!
***Of course if you mainly are concerned about your safety walking home at night from the bus stop - then perhaps the shotgun isn’t the best choice for your first gun!****
The one thing my SIL pounded into my head was in reguard to the safety....remember RED IS DEAD..