I have a Ruger 10/22 and a cheap AR-15 that works fine. Don't get to the range much unfortunately because the closest outdoor range is an hour and a half away and the national forest nearby has banned all target shooting.
When I do shoot I pretty much just plink with the 22 because it's fun and cheap. The AR-15 will get shot a few times but mostly just to check it's all working correctly.
Really want to get a Ruger single 6. I want to be a gun guy so bad and have a big collection but it's so cost prohibitive haha. Also I'm split between wanting to get guns that are fun and cheap to shoot like various 22s and guns that would actually be functional like a .308 for hunting or something that could be used as a CC or just home defence
My cousin, who's in the National Guard, broke it down like this:
Get a .22 to shoot for cheap and to learn and practice all the basics like trigger control, grip, sight alignment, etc.
Next, get something of the same platform (IE If you got a .22 semi auto, get a 9mm semi auto) that's reliable and has a lot of aftermarket support and you would trust your life with. Train with that one too and get real good at using it. Get accessories for it like magazines, holsters, and weapon lights.
After those two, get all the other fun stuff. If I could, I'd be getting all the weird wacky stuff or 20th century military surplus so I totally get you.