I remain unconvinced of reco-ing a handgun, let a bigger bore gun, for someone with little/no experience with firearms.

One of the few times a shotgun with 18” to 20” barrel and whatever buckshot he can find may well be the better ticket.

YMMV.

If you take the time it takes, it takes less time.
--Pat Parelli

American by birth; Alaskan by choice.
--ironbender