A Mossberg 835 is another choice. The only thing i dont really like with Mossberg guns is that the have alot of recoil. I had an 835 and when i shot 3in slugs it had more recoil then my 300 Ultra Mag. That is the only gun ive had to stop sighting in with for the day. With any other load the recoil wasnt bad so who need 3in slugs anyways. 2 3/4 dose just as good. Now if i could get some 3 1/2in slugs that group well im going to try them. Yes i did state that right i had a few boxes of 3 1/2in sabot slugs. Remington is a fine choice also. Take him to the gunshop and see what fits him best. A 2-7 power scope will be more then enough for deer. I had a 3-9 on m ine and it never went past 4 power and i thought 3 was a little too much at times. Now i have a fixed 4 power on it and it is plenty for out to 100 yards.