Hey guys!

So, I've been looking at buying a new rifle, and just to get the sacrilege out of the way, I’m looking at getting a semi-auto one. I did a search and went back to 2008 and didn’t see a similar thread so I figured I’d start a new one.

I’m looking for something in .308, mainly just because it’s a solid general-purpose caliber, I’m not tied to that though. Basically I’d just like to avoid the more odd-ball stuff.

Also, I’d love to go synthetic stock, ideally synthetic/stainless. I did some browsing and it looks like the BAR is pretty well received here, but there is a lot of talk about ones made in Belgium. I assume that’s some sort of older variety no longer made? If so, I’m not a very good gun buyer and am looking for something I can buy new in a store.

Oh, and to cap off this post that surely tags me as a total newbie (no argument there), I also haven’t a clue about optics, which I didn’t do a search about, but would love some recommendations.
My budget is anything within reason, I’m thinking like $2000 for everything, does that sound about right?

Thank you for your help!