so only have space for 2 guns max, in that situation would you still recommend a 22LR?
i was thinking about a SKS or a 12 gauge shotgun as my second gun. reason why i didnt get those as my first gun was that i didnt know if i could handle the recoil.
I think a .22 is well suited for anyone, anytime. There are lots of advantages of a .22.
And SKS and 12ga are good choices too, but in view, not for a first gun. For the SKS, unless you know they pretty well, it is hit and miss the quality of one that you may get. You may get one, which, like I got before where the firing pin was completely seized and so was the sear (reset stopped working after one shot). Thankfully I knew enough to check the firing pin as it would have been a guaranteed slamfire (it was seized so bad I had to use pliers to pull it out of its channel and that was after the retaining pin was already removed - it was caked with gun almost like dried brown sugar and sludge and super glue all mixed together).
For the 12ga if you are already thinking about recoil, why not try a 20 gauge first. A 20 gauge Rem 870 Express was my first shotgun and statistically you are much more likely to be taller and bigger than me, so maybe a 12ga would be fine for you but if you have apprehension, try a 20 ga. OR get a semi auto gas or inertia driven 12ga. Felt recoil would be reduced dramatically, and unless your range is like mine and slugs only you may be able to have even a more gentle shooting experience with lighter 12ga loads.
The reason why many people, including me, suggest the .22LR is it is non-existent recoil, cheap ammo, which lends to more frequent shooting and more practice, and is a great platform for learning fundamentals. It is also fairly easy to get a decently accurate .22LR which will no doubt inspire you to continue to shoot, which will help you improve your skills, discipline and accuracy. 22 rifles are also relatively affordable. If you want something semi auto, a 10/22 would be decent or if you don't mind all the plastic, a GSG-16 is a hoot too. But honestly, I have become quite enamored with the bolt action .22s. They are very satisfying to shoot and all my kids leaned towards my cheapie bolt action Savage, over the more modern looking semi auto black guns.