Sam's post was spot on, and there is only a little I could add to it.
Although it is tempting to immediately jump to the bottom line: "what gun to recommend to them", and it sure is what we here like to opine on, I think the real job is starting out determining exactly what your friend wants to do with a gun. As someone else mentioned, listen to them more than talk to them. That will help you in what to recommend whether it be lessons, a good gun club, or ... a gun.
There are lots of factors that work into the relationship equation, too. Like how impatient they might be. Or if they're perfectionists. Or if this is just a passing fancy for them. Or if his wife might like to shoot or she hates guns. Or if ... You get the picture. I think it takes a LOT of listening to them to figure them and their needs out.
And although your friend is a long distance away, this is likely also about a relationship as well as technical advice. He called you, and is apparently not happy just reading things in a magazine, or speaking to someone in a LGS or at a range - strangers. I would try to be very encouraging to him in as many areas as possible.
Let us know how it goes.
Lou
Although it is tempting to immediately jump to the bottom line: "what gun to recommend to them", and it sure is what we here like to opine on, I think the real job is starting out determining exactly what your friend wants to do with a gun. As someone else mentioned, listen to them more than talk to them. That will help you in what to recommend whether it be lessons, a good gun club, or ... a gun.
There are lots of factors that work into the relationship equation, too. Like how impatient they might be. Or if they're perfectionists. Or if this is just a passing fancy for them. Or if his wife might like to shoot or she hates guns. Or if ... You get the picture. I think it takes a LOT of listening to them to figure them and their needs out.
And although your friend is a long distance away, this is likely also about a relationship as well as technical advice. He called you, and is apparently not happy just reading things in a magazine, or speaking to someone in a LGS or at a range - strangers. I would try to be very encouraging to him in as many areas as possible.
Let us know how it goes.
Lou