It would depend on what they want to do with it. For a curious American/Canadian/European/Australia, etc who is NOT planning to go to Africa a Merkel or Chapuis in 9.3x74r is my recomendation. Or is tradition is not important, one of the cheaper O/U in 9/3x74r or another medium caliber, this would be even cheaper. Simple, cheap, works, and a useful caliber for those counties. I said 9.3x74r because it'll work on most anything hunted in those countries, and its relatively easy to find ammo or reload.

If the guy or gal is thinking about Africa that changes things. I guess a Merkel or Chapuis in 470 would get my vote.

Just my thoughts.