BudsGunShop.com - Good for first time shotgun owner?

Great choice. If you want less recoil the 20ga is the way to go. The 12ga has alot of recoil like any 12ga also for the money its a excellent choice since its a Rem 870 knockoff you're saving over $150

You will be surprised that the 20 will be slightly lower recoil than the 12 but nearly the same penetration with shot/buck shot loads. 20 gauge slugs may penetrate more due to higher sectional density. 12 or 20 you can use several available low recoil self-defense loads, I would recommend #4 Buckshot whichever you decide to get for the best combination of effectiveness and less penetration.

It is a good shotgun which you can use to do everything as far as 12ga or 20 ga they will both shoot through the same wall if the shells are the same IE 12g 1 oz #4 shot or 20 ga 1 oz #4 shot