Maybe ten years ago the U S Army was testing a indoor M-16 target system that converted a standard M-16 or any related AR rifle to fire .22 lead balls using high pressure air.
Something of this sort would be a good starting point for a young shooter before being let loose on the world with a full powered AR type rifle.
There are a few fairly realistic looking pellet rifles patterned after the M-4 carbine. Can't vouch for them personally though.
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