I won't steer you away from the 308 conversion. The one I have functions flawlessly and shoots well. The only thing I don't like about it is the mickey mouse safety they dreamed up.
The 308s are all mixmasters by the way. The bore on mine measures .3078 and is pristine. The rest of the rifle, looks like it has been made up of left over parts, all refinished, including the wood furniture. Bayonet is still intact.

I'm really not sure why there is so much bad mouthing about the CIA conversions. I've only seen a few and all were well done, albeit with 7.62x51 chambers. They are compact, robust rifles with rear locking lugs on a massive bolt. I've heard many complain about the forward leaning bolt handle as well. IMHO the complainers should get out more. If you can afford it buy them both, you won't be sorry. They will both be accurate and reliable. They are ugly ducklings, like Lee Enfields but they grow on you, as you get to trust their capabilities. Feeding and extraction are flawless, the parent cartridge is very similar.