The M1 Garand, the M1A/M14 and the M16/AR-15 don't have spring loaded fp's either and dingingprimers is fairly common. PART of why milspec primers tend to be good ju-ju for semi's. Right now,the SKS would be a really good choice when you consider the potential of a "Ferguson" to occur in your AO.
NOTHING wrong with an SKS, esp a para. Someone used to make an aimpoint mount for one that put the optic way forward. The triggers suck but the rifles work. Hornaday loaded 123gr amax's in steel cases for a while. A para and a bandolier with 12-15 strippers would work for some serious social work.
