My condolences. Trust me even friends who take great care of themselves cannot escape father time. I've lost 3 good friends the last 3 years to cancer or stroke. The saying is true, only the good die young.
It's not about hunting, his words
If it was about "hunting" he could hunt with a bow, many felon's go this route. If you crack this door for him expect a rush of others expecting the same treatment.
Here's a thought, if you like to hunt or enjoy firearms then do not do anything to jeopardize...
When I was younger 1970's Army Surplus stores sold the tubes. several of my friends older brothers had bought some. Playing "army" as a kid we had some good toys.
I'm looking for the 10mm xdm-elite in the 5.25", hard to come by. To bad they didn't revisit the 5.25" versions and update them with a optic ready slide.