Firearms are like underwear. Men want to pick out their own.
Ammunition is an excellent suggestion.
Yup. If you get him a new shotgun it'll never get used because the barrel is an inch shorter or longer than the one he'd buy for himself.
True to an extent. However, there are men like my husband, who, much to their dismay, had to sell a much-beloved firearm (this was before he met me). After listening to him whine for months about how much he wished that he had another Colt Delta Elite in 10mm "just like his old one", I surprised him with one as a birthday present. The look on his face when he opened the box was worth every penny.
True, but the size and weight of the package is a DEAD giveaway long before he gets the wrapping off. :-)