As uncomfortable as we can be after mas shootings and the tragedy they are-Target shooting and hunting remain family events, particularly in rural lands. That means the kids get taught many outdoor skills including gun safety for handling, hunting or target shooting. Water/boat safety for fishing. etc. Fire safety for those campfires. Wildfire prevention.

Like it or not the light recoil (civilian .223 or milspec 5.56) and smallish size of sporting AR guns makes them a pretty good choice for teens, women and anyone slight in build. The adjustable stock for example is a big plus for a shared rifle.

As a kid I was taught to use a hunting rifle for sport. Grandpa had a Springfield 30.06. Huge recoil, huge noise, and not one bit more accurate than a target configured AR. I hated it. That springfield put me off rifle target shooting as too loud and painful. After I inherited it, I gave it away.