I think NitroX has the right idea! It has always been my opinion, that a first time buyer of double rifles should start with a NEW, double in and midium caliber, like the 9.3X74R. This serves two purposes, #1 is they are cheaper to buy, and shoot, which lets one learn how to shoot, load for, and hunt with a double. #2, All this with a rifle that doesn't kick the crap out of him till he learns. The investment is smaller, in case he learns double rifles are not for him, or is a fine trade in if he decides to get into a larger bore double rifle, for a real African DGR!

Even smaller than the 9.3x74R are available as well, but all should be flanged (rimmed) cartridges, like the 8X57R, 7X57R, 9x57R, that will let one shoot 100 rounds at an outing without causeing a flinch,or breaking the bank for ammo. By shooting rabbits, off hand, he can learn instinctive shooting, that is so important to the use of double rifles! The 9.3X74R, or even better, a 375 H&H flanged, are legal for Most of the Big five in most African countries, and will do in a pinch, if one so chooses!