I think there are some that would make great starter guns but probably a bit more expensive than an 870. I suspect you are referring to a Dickinson? Maybe a Spanish gun or two in there at only 2x the price of an 870. Maybe.
The Ithaca/SKB's were in that crowd too, I think. I have a pair now, but back then, I suspect they were not priced with the 870s either.
but I do agree, gifting doubles would be a great thing to do. I have gifted one of my old .22 rifles to a guy I didn't even know. It was for his daughter. I wonder how that worked out?