Savage, Winchester, Tikka, Ruger, Remington all have "ARish" adjustable stock precision rigs in the $1000 to $1500 range. Yes, Ruger started it, but I am not sure that some of the follow-ons might not be better in some respects.
Don't waste any time or money on .308 unless you want to shoot in a Tactical class where it is required. A 6.5 or 6 is where it is at. Better ballistics, less recoil, less finicky with ammo and cost is the same or less. A 6.5 will give you a little better barrel life if you run loads near max, a 6 will give you a little less recoil.
Owning 2 RPRs, I would look hard at the Tikka or Savage if I was going to buy one today. Not sure that the new AI mag fed Savage is available yet, but it is impressive and has 5R rifling.