Hi Tucker,
Welcome to the forum.
I also enjoy shooting airguns. If you've shot spring-piston airguns before, you'll find that loading is somewhat similar to the single-shot rifles and shotguns from Rossi, NEF etc. You open the action, insert a single round, cock the external hammer and pull the trigger. The main difference, obviously, is that the single-shot firearm ejects the spent case/shell when you open the action again.
If you are looking to get into firearms, there's no better/safer way to start than with a single-shot, because they are the simplest and most reliable (fewest moving parts, fewer things can go wrong). The Rossi guns in particular are especially safe, as they have a separate safety in addition to the external hammer (most single-shots do not). I also like the single-shots for their "old-timey-ness".
Anyway, the combo I have is well built and the action closes up very tight, just like a New England Firearms combo I had before. I definitely feel that the gun is safe to shoot. As I said in my first post, the quality is about 85% of the NEF combo, but that refers to cosmetic quality only. I personally think the Rossi combo I have is a very handsome looking gun. I have shot about 150 - 200 rounds with the .22 barrel and have had no problems. After mounting a scope, cleaning the barrel and firing those break-in rounds, the gun is grouping very nicely at 25 yards so far. I still need to break in the barrel some more and try the shotgun barrel some more. As for the trigger pull, it's about 6 pounds I think, which is kind of heavy, but my old Ruger 10/22 was even stiffer, so I'm used to it. A gunsmith can lighten it up for you most likely.
I really liked that the combo came included with a well-made padded case, which holds both barrels and the receiver. For $140, I'm very satisfied with the purchase. If you're just looking for the shotgun only, I think you can get one new for less than $100. I'd go with 12 gauge or 20 gauge. Also, don't forget to pick up a gun cleaning kit for whatever calibers/gauges you will be getting.
Hope that answers your questions. If you have any more questions, ask away. Make sure your friend goes over basic firearm safety with you BEFORE you actually go out to shoot. I recently went shooting with a group of people, one of whom did not have a lot of experience, and she inadvertently pointed a loaded pistol at me at about 1 yard away when she turned to ask a question. Someone else was responsible for prepping her for the range session, but did not. ALWAYS keep the muzzle end of the gun pointed in a safe direction.
Matt
