Take a look at the Wicked Ridge M-370. This xbow might be the sleeper "hunters special" of the TenPoint lineup this year. Very narrow (good), light, fast enough and it has a good frank system.
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New for 2020 and leveraging TenPoint's narrow limb technology, this lightweight platform will make for a nice hunter's xbow. Include the ACUdraw crank, upgraded RangeMaster Pro scope, good arrows, a nice target, good xbow rated broadheads, string and rail lube and some BowJax limb silencers and you will be close to $1,000. Most importantly, your father will have 99.9% of what he needs to start his xbow experience.
If your TenPoint dealer can't make that happen affordably, like TCG suggests above, call Dave Wyvern at Wyvern Creations.