I have been researching the gun I would like to start out with, and after nearly half a week of sitting at the computer, I have to say that they are all starting to look alike.

I know I do not need a KART or ECHO 1 M14 EBR, but that beast is calling out to me...

...but what about CQB? The EBR is not very practical for this scenario, so I have my eye on the AirsoftGI G4-A1, but it is on pre-order status at the moment.

I know that everyone has a preference, but I would still like to hear some thoughts from all of you veterans and cadets alike.

Here is a list of my criteria so far:

• Not High Priced...I love the M1 Garrand, but I can purchase a real one for about $100 more than what the Airsoft version costs

• Price range $200 and under...I feel that I can find something that won't be a lemon at this price range

• Good reputable manufacturer

• Reliable weapon

• Upgrade capable weapon (internal and external)

• FPS 325 - 400 (Bad Karma stays under 400 in some instances)

• Accurate weapon

• CQB and Open field or Wooded capable...(I'm not financially sound to get a weapon for each situation)

• Weapon Should Look bad a$$ (very important to me)

• Not an AK-47...I really dislike this weapon

• Full metal...I like the realism and feel (unless it is a Glock)

With that list, I would like to be able to add a Red Dot sight (the G4-A1 is already outfitted with one)

I must say, that it has been pretty time consuming finding something that fits this list, maybe I should re-evaluate my criteria(?) What say ye?

The Airsoft Gi customs do not come with batteries or chargers and in general, if they don't say they are full metal they are not. I think you should consider a quality battery from cheapbatterypacks.com They are made to order and you can get exactly what you want. A basic blue one can be bought pretty cheap. I think if you hold out for another $100 you'll be much more happy. You at least be able to get one of those AirsoftGI AEGs and a metal body. If you do decide to go ahead with your $200 budget, I think A&K has some nice gears in their replicas. I don't like their motors but motors are a lot easier to replace than gears. You also might find the E1 MP5 Master series with two MB a great value at $285.

Ehobbyasia sells a King Arms M4A1 for $200
http://shop.ehobbyasia.com/aeg/king-arms-hong-kong/index.html?limit=all
First AEG on the page, KA M4A1, full metal, 7mm MB, 330-350FPS, Intellect 8.4v 1600MAH battery (high quality) charger, magazine and 3-point sling. The only problem is that you will need to pay for shipping that package is a steal. The gun alone can be seen further down the page sold by itself for $215. You're getting $60-70 worth of stuff that is much higher quality than with an Echo1, CYMA, D-BOYs, A&K or JG. Think of this as compensation for shipping charges.
http://airsoftreview.net/viewtopic.php?p=588&sid=9f17e7c8b56ff768ec552d39709459cf
http://www.arniesairsoft.co.uk/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/795/sort/2/cat/16/page/1
The review above is essentially the same as the M4A1 just fancier, the internals are the same which is my point in posting it.

save your money and decide what way you want to play i have made some mistakes by just buying what looks sharp . Go with a dboys thats a good starter gun

I have looked at a number of different weapons in the last coupla weeks,and I am beginning to narrow my choices...what truly helped was having a friendly visit from one of the forum members and his "young guns" (his sons)...they brought over some of their arsenal, and let my family shoot up about half of their ammo (we owe ya some)...anyways, firing some rounds through the assortment that they brought really helped narrow my search further:

As if there weren't enough M4's in the game, that is what I have been searching for all day...now I need to find the one I like, and then find it at the cheapest price, so I can get some gear too.

I liked the King Arms that 'admin' posted a link to, but am a little weary of ordering over seas...so I am trying to get something local (state side).

I am really diggin this gun right here:

http://www.airsoftmegastore.com/JG_Metal_Gearbox_M4_S_System_CUSTOM_AEG_LIMITED_p/jgf6613limited.htm

tell me why I shouldn't...

not a bad choice at all

Its a little hot and a plastic body but that might not what you want to hear.

http://www.airsoftmegastore.com/DBoys_Full_Metal_M4_S_System_RIS_AEG_Rifle_p/bi-3381m.htm

I think this offers a good deal. $130 gets you full metal, 7mm MB, S-System, and ~375FPS. I do agree with them though a smart charger is necessary unless you have time to hold the battery or can time it out. They are $30. There is so much room left in the budget I'd get some internal upgrades but the externals below are fair priced and include free shipping. You might see the reasoning behind my decision for internals. If you need help installing them I offer a tech service. I know you wanted externals too, so go for it. I checked up on megaairsoft store and I think they are based in the US although they leave a lot of their info left out. They do not disclose their address on the web.

http://www.ebairsoft.com/dboy-style-silencer-with-flash-hider-p-2239.html (free shipping)
http://www.ebairsoft.com/1x32mm-scope-cantilever-mount-p-51.html (free shipping)

Internals, I would choose these from WGC. http://www.wgcshop.com/ (Yes over seas, $70 over their is like $115 hear.) Just search the code and the item will pop up.
G&P M120 motor ($26) = GP-ACC-561
Modify 7mm bearings ($22) = MDF-GB-03-37
Modify shims ($3) = MDF-GB-05-01
Modify M120 spring ($11) = MDF-S120
Element H-nub ($.9) = ELE-IN0605
Element sector chip ($. = ELE-IN0909
King Arms air nozzle ($6) = KA-PT-0440

I would also buy a nice 9.6v mini battery but that's me.
www.cheapbatterypacks.com will take care of you. An Elite 9.6v 1500mah nun-chuk battery will fit.

Sry, if I'm raining on your parade. Just trying to help.

If your shooting ~$250, then go with the G&G GR16A3. Is is $260 can fit with a red do, can be upgraded to has an RIS system outside, and come pre-upgraded v2 gearbox and a couple other things. It is full metal and shoot around 350-375.

http://www.airsoftpost.com/gr16-full-size-airsoft-rifle-p-28320.html

you can add a battery, charger and 2000 .20g bbs for just $10.

Thanks for pointing that out, as many times as I have read that, I never caught that it was a plastic receiver "NEW 2009 Production Model 435 FPS JG Full Metal Gearbox M4 S-System CUSTOM AEG "LIMITED" It was the gear box that was Full Metal.

My son has actually chosen the D-Boys S-System that you linked to, maybe I could price out a kit for that one, and throw in a Crane stock as well...

As for it shooting hot, I would have hoped that those numbers were fluffed, even so, it would be cutting it close.

Admin wrote:

Its a little hot and a plastic body but that might not what you want to hear. http://www.airsoftmegastore.com/DBoys_Full_Metal_M4_S_System_RIS_AEG_Rifle_p/bi-3381m.htm I think this offers a good deal. $130 gets you full metal, 7mm MB, S-System, and ~375FPS. I do agree with them though a smart charger is necessary unless you have time to hold the battery or can time it out. They are $30. There is so much room left in the budget I'd get some internal upgrades but the externals below are fair priced and include free shipping. You might see the reasoning behind my decision for internals. If you need help installing them I offer a tech service. I know you wanted externals too, so go for it. I checked up on megaairsoft store and I think they are based in the US although they leave a lot of their info left out. They do not disclose their address on the web. http://www.ebairsoft.com/dboy-style-silencer-with-flash-hider-p-2239.html (free shipping) http://www.ebairsoft.com/1x32mm-scope-cantilever-mount-p-51.html (free shipping) Internals, I would choose these from WGC. http://www.wgcshop.com/ (Yes over seas, $70 over their is like $115 hear.) Just search the code and the item will pop up. G&P M120 motor ($26) = GP-ACC-561 Modify 7mm bearings ($22) = MDF-GB-03-37 Modify shims ($3) = MDF-GB-05-01 Modify M120 spring ($11) = MDF-S120 Element H-nub ($.9) = ELE-IN0605 Element sector chip ($. = ELE-IN0909 King Arms air nozzle ($6) = KA-PT-0440 I would also buy a nice 9.6v mini battery but that's me. www.cheapbatterypacks.com will take care of you. An Elite 9.6v 1500mah nun-chuk battery will fit. Sry, if I'm raining on your parade. Just trying to help.

_________________
"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster, and if you look long into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

at there prices i love the Megastore,its located in good 'ol Cali. & takes a week to recieve your order.i love the M4 varients myself.a brand i've became quite fond of is AGM,great guns for the prices,i've had no problems what so ever.
so if your on a budget,thats def. a good way to go..quality for cheap

So I opted for the G&G M16A3 officially, I feel pretty good about it too! Thanks for the feedback!

That's a good choice. A good marine corp rifle. It should be pretty accurate with the longer barrel.

My G&G M16A3 has arrived, as did my (5) mid-caps, and they are quite impressive...but they bring up two questions: should I get a speed loader? And if so, which would you recommend?