One of the most popular battle rifles ever invented worldwide has been the HK G3 in .308 Winchester or 7.62x51mm NATO. The G3 is an excellent rifle with a manual of arms setup that you may recognize from the MP5 submachine gun. The charging handle, for instance, is located near the sights at the end of the barrel and you have to reach over the charge the weapon and load a round.
Today, the G3 is among the most successful battle rifles and competes directly with the FN FAL, Springfield M1A, and the AR-10 platform of rifles. There are also many cheaper versions of the HK G3 that are available for the American market. These include the Spanish-made CETME rifles and the Century Arms imported C308. These rifles are built largely from surplus G3 parts and are available for a fraction of the price for a true G3.