I cannot stress too much. If you already have an AR-15 then get a semi auto 30 cal rifle and learn how to use it. An AR-10 or a SCAR or an M1-A. These are the weapons you need. It doesn’t take that much training to take out a grapefruit - or a hard target, with one of these at 600 yards. They are the best battle rifle you can buy now. Yeah, if you are a trained sniper 338 Lapua or 50 cal is the way to go, but guys that trained already know that. A 30 cal and a bit of training and practice makes you an awesome weapon.
Stepping up to .308 AR-10 from .223 AR-15 is a big step.
You can hold and fire a .223 with one hand.
Try that with your .308 and you’ll get busted. It takes longer after every shot to get your sight picture back as well.
Net: it’s a very different shooting experience when you move up to .30 cal.
A new M1A is over $2K MSRP, now.
Yep, hard to really beats the venerable old ought six
So many were raised shooting Dad or Grandpas old rifles.