The Red Label is a nice gun. The wood on them usually isn't of the greatest quality but they are very serviceable. I have 2 and they have never given me any problems in the least. As far as gauge that is as much personal preference as anything else. The 12 will generally give you more versatility in available loads. However a 20 isn't much of a hinderance in the hands of someone who can shoot. I hunt a lot of duck and one of the gents always uses a 20 and he kills just as many birds as we do, more importantly he doesn't wound and more birds than us either. That said I'd prefer the 12 and I wouldn't worry about inserts, if he is doing the shooting in the field he isn't likely to notice the difference in recoil between a 12 and 20 anyway.

BB

P.S.- For god's sake get him wood and bluing forget the camo.