If he's a novice looking for a simple SD SGN, I think he'd be best served by a 12ga double-barrel coach gun (i.e. Stoeger, EAA, etc.)
- Easy to load, unload, secure, & generally operate...
- Prices similar to a quality pump (I paid $250 for my Stoeger)....
- More compact than a pump w/ the same barrel length....
- No gas system to clean....
- Can't short-shuck a double...
The only "shortcoming" is its ammo capacity (1 shell per barrel); but, w/ practice, reloading is faster than one would think. Just keep a butt cuff w/ extra rounds handy, and you're all set....
