How bout a Ruger 10-22?
That’s the basic gun everybody should have at least one of.
That is a great one, and if you want it to look scary, conversions kits flood the market.
When I bought my AR-15 it was a choice between it and the Ruger, but I ended up going for the AR-15. It was $440. Sold it 13 years later for $650 to pay for my Wife’s engagement ring. And I've been kicking my self in the but ever since, because they have nothing but gone up up up in value. Now I just have handguns.
Looking now for a 22LR for my son who will be turning 9 soon. Maybe get a pair of them so we can do some father son plinking.