Good choice. You can't go wrong with that.

Your thread title here said "First firearm". Is this the first firearm you've ever shot, or just the first you've ever owned? My point being, if you've never shot a gun before, be prepared for a 12 gauge shotgun to step you back a bit! Stay away from 3-1/2" and magnum or buckshot or slug loads when you first shoot. Get 2-3/4" shells, light loads possibly, filled with small birdshot. Keep the buttstock firm against your shoulder and lean forward into it.

I would have probably sworn off guns from the very beginning if the first time I ever pulled a trigger was on a 12 gauge. I'm not trying to frighten you off. With just a little time, you won't find a shotgun or high powered rifle bad. But that first shot with a 12 gauge, if you don't really know what you're doing and how to hold it, will hit you like a car's airbag.

If you are a new shooter, you might want to find a friend who will take you shooting with something a little gentler and train your a bit on your first time out.

I must be doing everything wrong, I use a Springfield M-6, Down here in lower So. Cal. there is not much I can't take down. You might take a look at this. It helped me make up my mined long time ago and I have been happy ever sense.

http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/v-shrake/m6.html

Owned and shot a 12 guage briefly about 40 years ago but not for serious hunting only trap shooting.

Starting again as an adult with hunting in mind, I find myself again with a 12 guage. I did fire a similar gun during hunter safety training. Fist shot was a little startling, fine thereafter.

A rifle-shotgun combo gun like the M6 was my starting point this time around, but abandoned for the reasons set forth in the thread.

Excellent choice...I have two 870's. They are boringly simple and reliable. By the way, an 870 was my first ever firearm.