actually walmart sells several rifles and shotguns for 200 or less...159 for a 12 ga pump.
He could get an old mil surplus rifle like a Mosin Nagant 91/30 in 7.62x54 (in between a .308 and .30-06) for under $100. Some of these are pretty good shooters, just heavy and not much choice in hunting ammo, although it can be found. They can be sporterized to some extent to lessen the weight.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?groupid=95&name=Russian+1891/30+7.62x54R+Hex+Mosin+Nagant+Rifle
If he can scratch up a little more cash, he can get in on a special on an H&R .30-06/20ga combo for $210! Of course, shipping and FFL fees will add another $40 or so, but for $250 could get a very versatile combo.
http://jsgunparts.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=219&products_id=875
He could also get a entry level muzzleloader and use it. I hunted with only a muzzleloader for 3-4 seasons. Bought myself a Traditions "Deer Hunter" for $109. Killed a truckload of deer with it.
maybe a used nef single shot
Just sold a used NEF in 25-06 about four months ago to another member for $250.00 with scope... Good luck finding anything decent for under $400.00... My recommendation since hunting season is almost over, would be for your friend to save $49.50 a month or $1.65 a day and then in November 2011 he'll have about $500.00 to add to the $200.00 and can buy something of quality with decent optics, not just a $200.00 gun. That's what I did for my first 4-5 guns.
