My first gun was a Model 37a Winchester in .410. Do him a favor and dont stick him with that miserable round. A 20 Gauge would be a great starter...I cant imagine a 410 being good for anything but noise and frustration. The squirrels lived easy (cept for hearing damage) until I hit the ripe old age of 10 and started with my beloved 870 12 Gauge....after that...sorry about their luck..lol. It lays em low damn near as far as you can see them..lol. Id have to say the ol 12 Gauage is the most versatile round in existence....from small game to huge game they make a 12 gauge round for most anything and everything.