I really enjoyed the story.Good history of a mil.rifle.One saying kept going through my mind." The winners write the histories."That said I'd take the M1 or Johnson over the Ariskia.
The key word is newbe.A pistol grip shotgun in 12 ga.will most likely come in close contact with a new shooters face.The PPC or leaver action in pistol cal.would be a safer choice for the first time shooters.