Go for a 20 guage, that is what my dad gave me for my 12th birthday, light, easy to handle. Check with the local gun shops, around here, some have indoor shooting ranges so you and the wife can try a few out. Your best bet is a pump, that is the most intimadating sound known, and it is well known
Another thing is to take a
Fire Arm Safety Course and AFTER that, spend some time at the range and
learn the weapon
BTW, I use to have a 12guage Street sweeper
