What gun should i get?

a close relative of mine suggested a rifle for me, the springfield M1A socom, i dont know which model or what but im looking to spend less then $1500. Maybe one day id like to try hunting and shoot from at least 500 yards. Or if something did go wrong like civil unrest or a revolution would occur id like a mid range weapon that can kick some ash if somebody ran at me or something with around a 20 magazine clip. Maybe a FAL SA58 but that looks like a big kick in the recoil. more then the m1a. so im looking for a semi automatic preferably .308 midrange rifle with the ability to add a scope or other attatchments/perks : ) any opinions or suggestions?