I don't know of any of the shotguns you are intersted in that come with built in lock. I have seen this feature on a few handguns, but I honestly couldn't name them by model and maker. Most do come with a lock in the box though. Like I said, it is a padlock with a cable on it that runs thru the action when it is open so the gun cannot be operated. Sort of like a bicycle chain lock. All but one of mine are still new in the baggy because I don't use them.

After your last post I could easily suggest an 870 express or mossberg 500 combo model. They come with both barrels, a fully rifled barrel for deer and smoothbore with interchangable chokes for birds and small game. And a 20 ga is pretty good now a days with the better ammo, but only for a dedicated slug gun. If you want versatility I say go with a 12 ga. Not that a 20 won't work for birds and small game as well, I just feel the 12 is better.

The only limitation a shotgun has over a centerfire is range. They are good out to about 100 yards, maybe a bit farther if you find a load your gun really likes and practice. Recoil is not that bad. Non of my shotguns kick as hard as a centerfire, like say a 30-06, and it's a different kind of a recoil. Not quite as sharp as a centerfire.

I actually don't think slugs kick that hard, I have shot pheasant and turkey loads that kick much harder than a standard slug. I would assume water fowl loads are just as harsh. And I am only 5'3" and weigh 130 lbs.

I live in a shotgun only area, I have never shot at a running deer yet and I don't use buckshot. If you don't want to shoot at running deer don't do it, doesn't matter what weapon you use. The weapon you choose does not effect the animals behavior. If a deer runs every time it gets close to you I wouldn't blame it on the gun.

Oh, and on a side note, the Mossberg 500 comes with all three chokes and you can get a muzzle loader barrel for it as well. And if you are thinking about scoping it, get a combo with a cantilver barrel that you can mount the scope right to the barrel with. Reciever mounted scopes don't work that well on guns with removable barrels that are not fixed to the reciever.

As far as barrel length goes, most of the slug barrels are fairly short anyway. You won't notice much of a difference between 18 inches and 22 inches in the field, both are fairly short and easy to handle.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on.

Paul