I side with the 870 crowd. 12 ga 3" with cokes is all he will ever really need. Pumps that shoot 3 1/2" have a longer stroke that can be troublesome, especially to a new shooter.

I bought the 870 Wingmaster 3" at Gibsons Discount store for $125 in 1969. Still use it a lot, when I don't want to carry one of my doubles. I've never really warmed up to any of my semi-autos, except my 10 ga.

Best wishes to him.

My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost....