I owned a 20" heavy barrel FNAR, it is the most accurate semi auto .308 that I have shot! Period! The reason I don't still own the FNAR is a very handsome offer( two for one ), no iron sights, and it was a pain in the butt to clean. You can tell an engineer built the FNAR. The same way you can tell an engineer built your 2012 toyota prius. It wasn't designed for easy maintenance.
It handles way better than it looks ( others think it is ugly, not me ) and shoots like a dream. I took it to the range a few times with high dollar federal match .308, a bipod, and a tasco 3-9x40 scope. I was getting under a inch at 200 yards! My brother took a 5 round mag and put all 5 shots in 1 and a 1/4 inches at 100 the first time he ever pulled the trigger! It is very comfortable to shoot also.
The only bad thing is this is not a battle rifle ( it looks tacticool, I know ), it's a target rifle regardless of what people say. That being said, if you want a battle rifle that is easy to clean and reasonably accurate I would go M1A. When I get enough saved up I will be getting a socom 16 ( synthetic stock, iron sights, handy, short, hard hitting, decent accuracy, and still able to reach out and touch something). If you want something that is supremely accurate, and good for range or general target shooting get the FNAR. It will kill deer and other critters(4 legs or 2) just fine too. Like I said though, it just never felt right leaning it against a tree while I was answering natures call. I had a mini-14 that I didn't mind leaning against a tree. Wish I still had it.
It just never felt comfortable to go beating through woods with the FNAR. Kind of like buying a $3000 dollar AR-15. It is something you see these guys polishing but never shooting? The M1A is more like an AK-47. Ultra reliable but with better accuracy and more power. It can be had with a synthetic stock or "old wood and steel". Wood and steel rifles are a thing of the past but everyone loves history, and some like to feel like they have a piece of it in their hands. It is probably all in my head, your results may vary.