“If it is a first gun, I’d get him a single-barrel 12 gauge.”
No, NO, NOOOO!
Those light weight b*stards kick like a mule with even trap loads. If such a weapon is ever handed to a novice shooter, PLEASE make sure it has a good recoil pad on it.
Don’t forget “Eyes & Ears”, lest that novice have permanent hearing damage from his first box of shells.
Don’t ask how I know about the above.
Buy him ammo, targets, cleaning kit, etc. for now.
Two good possibilities.
Some sort of .22 or a Taurus Circuit Judge.
The Circuit Judge is good for birds, small game, deer, target shooting, self defense, about the most versatile gun you can buy.
Shoots .45 Long Colt and .410 shotgun shells. 5 shot revolver rifle shotgun in one.
As he ages, get him a Judge. 5 shot handgun, They make black, stainless and polymer. Shoots all the same ammo.