Right you are on every point. We NEVER (or only very rarely...I never did) fired full auto even with the 5.56. After firing the M-14 on full auto realized that was never to be repeated...but the 14 FELT and HANDLED like a RIFLE. I missed it.
A Mini-14, beefed up to handle the 6.8x51 w/good sights and synthetic stock, sounds ideal. (Never much cared for pistol grip stocks and “weak” butt stocks). As for recoil, if you find it difficult to handle, join the Air Force or Navy.
Infantry is a different animal altogether, from Grunts to SF. Recoil is part of the deal.
> Recoil is part of the deal.
haha that’s what I say about my Moisin-Nagant m44. Also, always deploy bayonet for ranged shots. Because: Infantry.