Guns, Dogs and Blades QnA

Need advice! Have a handgun, looking at a shotgun for home defense and fun of shooting for both my wife and myself. We're mid 50s, not as durable as we used to be. How much kick from a Mossberg 590A1 12 gauge, 18 1/2" with 2 3/4" 1 oz? Would we be 'F*** practicing with that thing, it kicks like a mule!'? Can't use the minishells, steel shot required at our range, and I can't find that (and minis are stupid expensive besides, just like 20 gauge).

Thanks!