I like the MAS 49/56 in .308. They do (the .308 conversions) sometimes have a reliability issue, but if you are willing to work with it a little bit, they are a great rifle for down around $450. 10 round mags, and not too pricey if you are patient and shop around. Not much demand now for some reason. Guess they have been "closeted"?
I had a .308 with all the accessories (early Century import), had some extraction issues, but changed the extractor out with the new one in the spare parts kit included with the rifle and had no trouble with it after that. Sorry I ever sold it.