I'm not trying to be tacky, BUT.... if the man is 5'4" and stocky....a "factory" length stock will be WAY too long!
Just a quick hint. If you purchase a Remington 870, take the time to have the stock reworked before he shoots it.
Let's be honest! If a man that's 5'4" has arms that fit a factory stock, he'd look like an orangutan walking down the street!!

Bubba

I would make sure of the regulations; a call to the dept of wildlife or whoever maintains the regulations in your state should clarify.

That said, I would want a pump action Remington 870 with a rifled barrel and provisions for either good iron sights or a scope.

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, shotgun stocks pretty much come in "child" (too short for your husband) or adult (should be fine). Custom fitting is a good idea, but not very necessary in this case unless there is a problem.

Another attractive option would be a deer specific shotgun made to function and fit more like a bolt-action deer rifle. In this case, I would prefer the Savage 20 gauge model, as it has a better trigger.

Maybe ask friends or family that hunt deer in your area what they use. Although it's not always the right answer, often it's easier in terms of a new hunter for advice and getting pointers as they set up the weapon and get accustomed to it.

Good luck!

Remington 870!
Hands down!

Do not be afraid to have the stock adjusted if necessary for proper fit! Fit makes a gun easier to mount and MUCH easier on the shooter recoil wise!

Bubba

Im going to have to agree with everyone else and say the Remington 870 would be the best choice! Is it a surprise? If not why not take him to see what fits him the best either the youth version or the full sized. A 12 gauge great but a 20 gauge also has enough knock down power for deer.

the gun you just posted is the exact combo I have and love it. I have the 20 and 12 ga mode. i like my 20 because its lighter to carry and i feel it shoots better than my 12 ga 870.

That's the gun I use for deer and grouse hunting, in 20Gauge. It's very reliable, accurate enough for the distances I am likely to shoot, easy handling, and I don't shed a tear with every new scratch or ding.

It's a fine tool, but no piece of art. I'm OK with that. Most of my pretty guns are safe queens.

A Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 would be a good choice. There are tons of aftermarket stock options for both of these guns. An adjustable M4 type would be an ugly but very practical option for someone who needs a shorter stock and it can be changed quickly to allow for heavy or light clothing. Blackhawk even makes one that helps reduce recoil.

That would be a great choice.

A Remington 870 is hard to beat. If he is exclusively hunting deer with it, you can go for a slug barrel with sights. If not, a regular vented barrel with a bead is just fine and gives him flexibility for bird hunting too. I personally prefer a 12 gauge but a 20 gauge will work mighty fine too. The 20 is lighter to carry and faster to bring to the shoulder with less recoil for sure. The 12 gauge just seems to do a little more damage on deer impact and gives me a fuller pattern on birds.

Ithaca Deerslayer II. Makes the 870 look like something made in China.

Browning BPS shotguns are very nice and come with slug barrels too.

If you want something cheaper than those two get a Mossberg with a deer barrel or a combo if he likes bird hunting too. The finish on new 870s is terrible.

If you can find an older 870 with the nice blued finish, by all means buy it.