[Robert Teesdale]

Thanks for the links. I am recommending the Super Alaskan Redhawk; he's concerned with four-footed predators, not the two-legged versions.

$860 new seems reasonable. How hard are these to get at a local dealer?

[Robert Teesdale]

Worst-case anticipated scenario is biking up in the Front Range foothills and having to get a mountain lion off his young daughter. My sense is that the Super Alaskan is the best choice; no doubt that if he hits it in the right place, it's going down. The .454 Casull is a good round for that and I like the snub. I'm recommending a front fannypack holster for him as well; so he can go from ease of biking to calm in shopping without having social issues arising amongst the hoplophobes.

Yes, correct that he's not a regular shooter. That's why I am recommending revolvers only; simple, no jamming worries under stress and powerful enough to do the job.