The A2 stock is too long for my 7-year-old but I am still familiarizing him with basic weapon operation.
For the optic I went with the current issue U.S. Army M68 CCO or Aimpoint CompM4S. I like these optics because they are bombproof and powered by a single AA battery.
Being a taller guy at 6’3″ the A4 feels really good to me. The longer gas system makes for a low recoil impulse and extremely soft-shooting weapon.
My ultimate SHTF rifle: the AR-15A4