You are right that the 7.62x39 is accurate out of the right gun BUT I am looking at the knowledge level of the OP. This is a guy (no offense intended) that wants a good 'all around' rifle. He will not be reloading and wants to be able to walk into Wally World and get good ammo.
I think the .308 would be better as a "tatcticle/hunting' gun for this type of shooter.
I asked some questions of the poster above and he answers that we’ll have a better way to help him choose.
All arguments thus far , price , semi auto, quality, cheap, durable, accurate, general hunting round etc seem to lead to a M1 Garand from CMP for this man.......dual purpose, 5 round enbloc’s available for hunting......I use one now and then .