You will love the 1895G Marlin if you decide to go that route. I own an 1895G and a 22" barrel 1895 and I love both of them. The 1895G is so quick handling and natural pointing. If you are recoil sensitive put one of the Limbsaver recoil pads by SVL on it and your kids can shoot it. I can't say enough about these rifles.

The shotgun would edge out the Marlin if you were also going to use it as a self defense type of weapon. The combo deals where you can buy either the Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 with two barrels(an 18.5-20"&26-28") are definitely the way to go if you buy a shotgun. That will basically give you two guns.