“If I posted this question on Facebook, I would expect these kinds of responses, but here on FR, I expected simple advice about the gun, nothing more. What has happened to this place?”
It is winter, it is cold and dark under the bridges, and the trolls are restless.
Ignore them. It is good for them as it raises their respiration rates and increases their adrenalin level - all of which keeps them warmer under their dank, cold bridge abutments.
As for firearms recommendations, I suggest whatever gun you and he can shoot together the most. Range time with Dad is priceless, and hunting (even if just squirrel or rabbit hunting) is even more memorable.
Absolutely agree! Even if you don't kill something, the bonding time is priceless.