I don't know where or how many time he shot it. I had a conversation a while back with a bowhunter who used a longbow to let the air out of one, and he mentioned that moose are (comparatively) easy to get close to.

One other one could be a Contender from Thompson Center. Multiple caliber options. Drawback single shot only.

I did some scouting around the net about all purpose bush/pack guns, so here's some rescources for you.

Rifle cartridge lethality
http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_killing_power_list.htm

Gunfire noise levels
http://www.freehearingtest.com/hia_gunfirenoise.shtml
Keep in mind that decibels is logrithmic, so 10dbl increase = 10X increase in sound pressure and 20dbl = 100X increase in sound pressure. OSHA puts the limit at 140 db for impulse sounds.

Exhaustive threads on an "all purpose" gun.
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167
http://www.bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4666

Have fun and know what's behind your target.

Am glad 'pezhead' mentioned the T/C Contender... 'cuz other than the single shot restriction you can address the limitations of only one caliber easily. 2 or more barrels.
But you can also get switch barrel versions of of guns and spend similar amounts or maybe less money.
Interjecting final cost, weight and pack bulk into the choices mix brings in more challenges to the decision.
Clearly, there are many options and one or more compromises will be needed.
Sticking with .22LR as one caliber choice makes obvious sense as you can carry more of it and its a good multi-task choice.
If pack-ability were important and 2 guns was an option, I'd like a folding stocked Ruger 10/22 and Winchester Model 12 in 20 or 12 gauge, The model 12 takes down so it's easily stuffed in a pack, though probably only with the 20 inch or less barrel...which is my choice. Defense with a pump shotgun is met, as is versatility in ammo. And both guns can be used for hunting.
Good luck shopping.

Went to an upland game seminar put on by the California DFG today, and a couple of things were put to rest which re-shapes my gun thoughts.

First, what land is available to hunt free or without too much cost is largely public land. While local regulations vary, on much public land where birds are hunted, neither rifles or pistols are allowed, and a combo rifle-shotgun would be interpreted as a violation even if you had no ammunition for it on your person or in your vehicle.

Second, the Remington 870 pump in 12 guage was close to a unanimous suggestion for a first gun from the 7 or 8 official personnel present if any bird shooting was contemplated.

I agree. If you are limited to shotgun, it hard to do better than a Rem 870. 12 ga ammo is cheaper that 16 or 20 ga.

Love my rem 870

I like the Mossberg because it's easier for me to use the safety. Although I would have no problems with the 870 They also have an endless supply of after market options to suit almost every need you may have.

My first gun was a Marlin model 60.
Then a Winchester Model 94 in 30-30.
I didn't fire a shotgun until I was 12 years old - and then it was a Remington 870.

Fast forward to recently and here's what I got my kids.

My son started with a Cricket .22
He later moved up to other .22, most recently a Savage bold-action .22 (I don't recall the model).
My daughter will start with the .22

For an adult starting out, I'd say any Mossberg 500 series shotgun is a really nice choice.

I'd not recommend a handgun for a "first gun" for anyone unless you're going to spend some quality time with professional training.

I know that handguns are much harder for me than long arms, so I might be just putting my issues on someone.

I have found that first-time gun handlers I've seen have done well with HK P7, S&W SP101, and any Glock.

But anyway, this is a topic that comes around here now and then, love to read these threads - so many good ideas.

Ordered Remington 870 pump 12 guage, matte black, synthetic stock.

Thanks, all!