The M&P 10 is totally ambidextrous, weighs in a 7.8 pounds empty and will take the 12 dollar 25 round pmags. It has a decent trigger, great customer service from a legendary gun maker and is compatible across the board as far as the 308 platform goes. The street price is right @ 1200 bucks. I cannot complain about any of my S&W products and I have more than a couple fwiw.Piston vs gas and why
Gas because it can be built lighter I know we are only talking about ounces but those ounces add up. The problems with the DI system have long been resolved and the piston system on an AR is solution to a problem that was solved 30 something years ago. but if you like what you read about pistons keeping the carbon out of the receiver then go for it . You'll still have to clean it but just a different place.
Weight is an issue to me, I don't want a 10lb+ battle rifle. Look into the lightweight version of the DMPS G2 or clones of it. DMPS really made some obvious breakthroughs that I myself had always wondered why no one did this years ago and that was to shorted the receiver and the bolt carrier there did other things as well with the barrel extension reducing the weight and center of gravity to make it fill a lot lighter I think they only shaved off about a lb but a lb when being packed over a shoulder or extended out is quite noticeable . going with the lightweight barrel and carbon fiber float tube will also drop the weight quite a bit and make for a very comfortable shooter.
Price is a factor but not a deal breaker . You can spend a ton of money on something that can do the same thing for half the price . if you feel you want more accuracy spend more money on a better barrel.
Ability to accept cheap and a variety of magazines . mags are gonna cost you around $20 give or take what ever platform you go unless you get one of those CMMG ones that takes the $4 G3 mags .
Must be able to fire/cycle/feed both 7.62 NATO and .308 Win. I think all the platforms do both unless you are looking at a match grade barrel that specifies one over the other
Is there anything else I need to know before taking the plunge?
I have read that dams had a bad run of extractors and the .308 is rough on them so probably a good idea to keep a spare just in case.