Since I'm spending your money, I'm going with the M1A/M14. I'm not sure what you can do with the Ruger Gunsite and AR/AK that you can't do just as well with the M14. Maybe hunt deer in certain states that don't allow semi-auto, but I have a feeling that if you were much of a hunter, you would have a dedicated hunting rig before playing with scout rifles and semi-autos.
Guess I'm biased. I hate AK's, and I sold both my AR's, and I'm not sure that I would have a use for a short barrel .308
The older I get, the less I need the ability to fire ammunition quickly, and more of a need to shoot more accuratly, and at greater distance. But, as the old folks say, your mileage may vary.