You can't go wrong with the Remington 870. My first shotgun was a870 wingmaster 20 gauge. That was over 20 years ago. I have a few more shotguns now, but I still try and use my 20 gauge a couple times a season pheasant hunting or waterfowl hunting. If you go with 12 gauge being your a new hunter it probably goes without saying you shouldwork way up to those 3.5in and even the 3in magnums. In fact, unless you waterfowl hunt you probably won't ever need to use 3.5in magnums. Those 3in magnums work just fine onturkeys. I am not that recoil sensative and use an automatic and Iwon't subject my shoulder to 3.5in turkey loads. Turkey loads kick just as hard or harder than deer slugs.Well anyway12 or 20 the choice is yours. Welcome to thewonderful sport of hunting.