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To brag a SCAR 17, to really brag and put your e-cock out a KAC SR-25. To be live in reality Armalite, S&W, RRA, and DPMS or other affordable AR-10.
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I've used a FAL, 308 AK, M1A, and a DPMS. I'd love to own an example of each, but as a pure rifle, the DPMS Gen 1 in 308 was the best of the bunch, because I could easily add optics or change a barrel. The DPMS was better because it easily accepted my AR scopes, and was still very reliable.
For a collector, get a FAL. For the ultimate combat rifle, get a SCAR, but for a decent shooter for less money and more adaptability, get a DPMS. I did and it shoots 2" groups with privi ball ammo. The FAL and M1A have less recoil, but are not as modular for sights and barrel changes, so the DPMS wins out for being modular.
My personal experience is also that a 308 in a 16" barrel has a tremendous concussion, and I am happy to have a longer barrel. I understand that a 16" 308 will still reach out to several hundred yards just fine, but I do need to be able to hear and think afterwards, so I lean towards a longer barrel in 308.
You can shop around a get a DPMS 308 for a good price, and upgrade the trigger, stock and barrel when ever you feel like it.