ORIGINAL: mauser06
i myself would go with an AK, L1A1, AR, SKS, etc first though...
my all time favorite would have to be the L1A1 (FAL) its basically an AK in 308...
excluding the AR, accuracy with any of the others isnt bench rest quality...but they arent really designed for it...they are designed to get lead where it needs to be and a good bit of it sent that direction in fairly short order...
the AR can be the most finicky of them all IMO...ive seen and played with enough to see many issues...usually gas adjustments needed etc..no biggie...but can be a headache of the shooter doesnt know about it...
Let's not exaggerate. The L1A1/FAL is NOT an AK in .308. And, as a matter of fact, the FAL isconsiderably more accurate than a Kalashnikov. Nor is a run-of-the-mill AR a "benchrest quality" rifle without some parts swapping in most cases.
In 20+ years of carrying M16A1s, M16A2s,CAR15s,M4s and owning two AR15s, I've NEVER found them "finicky" and in need of "gas adjustments" (huh?). On the other hand, IHAVE seen some gas piston rifles (and machineguns) inop due to problems with the gas systems.
And, having carried them alongside guys armed with L1A1s, G3s, R4s, Galils, and even AKs, the M16/AR15 platform is far more forgiving as a shooterthan any of the former. Its only liability tends to be its smaller caliber bullet. However, I've yet to see an AKthat even in trained hands is capable of reliable, repeat 300+ meter target engagement as is the M16/AR15. The 7.62x39 is a marginal performer beyond200 meters in ANY rifle chambered for it.
From a reliability standpoint, the Mini-14 isn't bad. It's not the 300-meter rifle the AR is, so really doesn't take advantage of the cartridge's capability - making it a short-range rifle, where the 7.62x39 might be more effective, either in an AK or Mini-30.