870 Express 20GA would be my choice. Either that or a Win 1300 20GA. I would shoot the Federal Heavyweight 3" 1 and 1/2oz #7 through it with a non ported choke that is a good quality choke.

Id say a remington 870 20g. Its a pump. Recoil is light. My 14 yr old cousin hunts with it she handles it fine.

A woman can handle a 12 gauge no problem. Remington 870 is the best shotgun made for a great price. All depends on experience. Have fun good to see you getting involved in our sport. Hope the smart guys that think it should be pink with ribbons probably get shown up by the girls all the time. :poke: