The op's criteria is a good indication he's in it for fun.
Buy a rifle that floats your boat and get good with it.
I compete with an XCR, I have a blast, and I do well.
I don't do 3 gun though, they're a tough crowd.
If you're good with the 305, buy some 10 rounders and run it.
The issue is that M14/305 is a terrible weapon other than shooting it at a KD range, when you can do your things at your own sweet time.
The safety location on M14/M305 is horrible. Unless you are very switched on and your manual of arms is excellent, inevitably there will be fumbling with M14/M305. It is a long heavy bang stick that likes to point up and the manipulation of big/stubby magazine into a clumsy magazine release system that was not designed with speed in mind. M14/M305 was ok back in the 50's and 60's when finger on the trigger and running without a safety were no big deal, but the design does not lend itself to the manual of arms needs in the modern days and the modern running/shooting games.
If there is a tight budget, I will say a type 97 will be better. It can use 10 round mags and right now the price is right. It has its own awkwardness but it is a small/compact rifle that can be easily controlled.


















































