Revolvers are the best handgun for someone who shoots only every other year or so.
I keep a pump 12 loaded (no need to 'rack') next to me at night or anytime I'm home. I've been shooting pumps since I was a tyke and in fact every shotgun I own is a pump, so training and familiarity isn't an issue. I've shot virtually every kind of shotgun sport, and never found myself at a disadvantage because of using a pump. My current HD shotty is a Benelli SuperNova w 18" barrel, ghost ring rear, post front, and full stock. That new 'comfort-tech' stock makes even slugs manageable. Sine I live in an apartment, I load it with a round of birdshot (limited penetration thru drywall) in the chamber, followed by 3 full zoot 00 buck rounds, and a slug last. I have the spares in a cuff on the stock, 3 more buck and two slugs. If I still lived in out in the sticks, I might replace it with my AR, but for in the apt or in town, from 0-100 yds, I prefer a shotgun. I own and carry pistols because I can conceal them, but my weapon of choice for defence is ALWAYS a shotgun. And ditto the part about taking a class including low light, worth every penny.