Just to update. I received my FWB 300S from Joe R. and I can honestly say... WOW.That gun is incredible. Yes, it is a springer, but not in the classic sense. It has TWO springs, and the coils are wound in opposite directions with a spacer in the middle. It effectively cancels out any of the typical Springer issues... combined with the weight of this gun there is virtually no recoil.All self contained nothing to buy other than pellets. You can find them for about $500 often. DO IT!
I'm suggesting a QB78/79 or a Hammerli 850. I think SSP or CO2 fits his budget best at this point.