Well, I don't have a C&R license, but I do have plenty of Surplus or "replica" semiautos.
SVT-40. The worst thing about them is how quickly thay are going up in price. I happened to get a refurb that has a correct scope on a Moison Nagant mount. It was about $700 at the time and I was lucky to get it. They are a bear to disassemble, but the gas system is quite easy to remove and clean, so don't let a fear of corrosive ammunition prevent you from getting one. I have discovered recently, that I do need to puick up a gas adjustment tool, as mine had begun to not function well with the most plentiful ammunition that I stock.
MAS 49/56. Mine is in 308, but if I hadn't heard about problems with 308 converted rifles, I wouldn't have believed it. Mine is very reliable even with the worst of ammunition. The sights are a bit odd, but it is a very handy size rifle. Mine also has a beautiful walnut stock.
Ljungman AG-42. A really nice and beautiful rifle in 6.5 x 55 Swiss. I really got mine at a really great price. Besides a deep scratch on the butt, it is in very good shape. These rifles will trash brass, but they shoot so nice. With a muzzle brake built into the barrel and being a semiautomatic they have a very mild recoil for the power of the cartridge.
Hakim. I just got one recently. It has parts missing, so I haven't fired it yet. Very close to the Ljungman, but usualy cheaper and less rare.
Argentine Navy FN-49. This one is specifically special because it was made in 308, and has 20 round removable magazines. Examine the magazines and you will see the similarities between it and the magazines of the FAL.
M-1A It's a bit later and it is a replica rifle, yet it is a surplus rifle, especially those with milspec parts.
ROMAK III This is also a late rifle, but it was a military rifle and it fires one of the oldest calibers. I primarily bought one because of the cheap ammunition. It is a reliable rifle and is fairly accurate. I also bought one because I missed out on the Druganovs when they were legal to be imported into the country.
SKS A Russian model is the most desirable. I also have some Chinese rifles and enjoy them very much.
I also don't have one but would like a BM-59, a Berreta made Garand converted to take a removable magazine. It looks alot like an M-14.