I honestly haven't met anyone that has one, or read anything about them. I would go with the H&R Ultra in a 20 ga if that is what he is looking for. I'm not a big fan of Rossi to be honest. However I have never owned either, just looked at them in the stores.

I have never shot a .338, but keep in mind a modern 12 slug lays down quite a bit of felt recoil, especially in a lighter rifle. If centerfires are legal where he hunts I can think of numerous cartridges that would be awesome for deer and would have much less recoil. The .243, 7mm-08 and 25-06 being my top three pics. And I would be you could get a Rossi in one of those if that is really what he has his heart set on. The H&R/NEF Handi rifles also come in all those calibers. Or he could get a budget bolt gun for around $300.

If he really wants a slug gun though I would look hard at the 20 ga Ultra by H&R.

Paul