Either a used Browning or Beretta. There is no better choice in a under $2000 gun.
I would add the SKB badged Weatherby to the mix too. They aren't common but can be had very reasonably and have a small but serious following.
The other makes are also good deals but one has to put a little effort into it. The person mentioned by the OP does not seem to fit that profile though. If one is willing to do a little research, the "dogs" can be found at used prices inexpensive enough to resell with little loss at the very worst. Excepting Turkish, Spanish, and Italian guns built to a low price point that is...
