I totally agree with training !!
I spent a LOT of time shooting Clay Games. I am one that believes the more one handles a firearm - the better they are with it - it becomes an extension.
So IMO / IME for tyros and Petite females , one that was shooting a 1100 20 ga or similar - was already ahead of the "HD Firearm" in need folks.
Those totally new to the concept, I took to the range - MY first exposure to them of safety and concepts. I made it fun. Even the little old folks - elderly, arthritic, maybe physically handicapped. I have taken these folks over to a range all by ourselves. I have had two folks without a left forearm become proffiecnt with a single shot shotgun. My thinking, My training to fit that / those persons and needs.
20 ga, be it a 1100 Beretta 302, 303, Browning Gold...at least these folks could either get trainng from shooting skeet....and sneak off to a safe range and set up practice stages. Those that did not shoot skeet could still learn by doing---no talking down.
Many go to the family property and shot cans and stuff, make up things and all to practice. Ammo is cheap - promo dove and quail loads, easy to see if gun safe, easy to maintain.
If a lady can buy 3 boxes of promo loads , head to family property to shoot one her own....goes a long way in my book of being able to hit with a load of #3 buck....
If that BG is coming at them, with a shotgun in their hands...drunk, high, both and plum crazy - slap the trigger....A BG may scoff at a pistol....might scoff at a rifle....that big old bore,and "all them pellets" ....and he still is coming....gene pool needs cleaning.
Easy to buy shotgun ammo...women - new to guns will do this....other ammo, some are not "comfortable yet" .
I keep it simple for new folks.