And, you can ALWAYS, start reloading, and make what you want, recoil, light, or Magnum, HEAVY .....The 12ga. is the way to go IMHO. If you are worried about the recoil, there are "light" and "reduced recoil" loads out there that will suit your needs. That is maybe the greatest thing about the 12ga, the ammo variety.
You can pick up a new maverick 88 at walmart for $200 which is a great shotgun that is made in the US.I think loading would be cool and I would like to do it. But I hear the cost is high to start up.
I am thinking of picking up a Sage (I think that was the name) from Dicks sporting good. They have a 12ga pump for $275