If it is a first gun, I’d get him a single-barrel 12 gauge. Easy to operate, ammunition is affordable, has multiple uses, and they generally make good starters that can be used that way for several generations. He can pass it own to his own son, someday.
Also, they are pretty reasonable in price. Reasonable enough I would almost buy one and ship it to your son just to piss off your ex-wife, because I find anti-gun women irritating.
“If it is a first gun, I’d get him a single-barrel 12 gauge.”
No, NO, NOOOO!
Those light weight b*stards kick like a mule with even trap loads. If such a weapon is ever handed to a novice shooter, PLEASE make sure it has a good recoil pad on it.
Don’t forget “Eyes & Ears”, lest that novice have permanent hearing damage from his first box of shells.
Don’t ask how I know about the above.