Dub, if he were my boy I'd start him on a 20 ga. if he can handle it ok. You will have to be the judge of that since we don't know his size or build. I would give you this word of advice,...you might think seriously about getting him started hunting on squirrels and rabbits.....which are so much easier to hit than a dove,....certainly for a beginner. This will boost his confidence level and that is a big deal for a kid. Heck, I know grown men that have hunted all their lives and still can't hit a dove on the wing.
Just my 2 cents......good luck whatever you choose.
