Potentially new player

[hasaveral]

So I've been looking at airsoft guns for a while but haven't had a real push to get one. Finally I'm thinking after my deployment I will end up getting an airsoft gun.

Problem is, since I'm new I don't know much of anything about the brands out there and the quality each will provide. I know I will customize my gun eventually but I don't want something that will cost out of the ass.

So, what are some recommended guns? I would like either an M4, M16, G36/MK36, ACR or an FN2000 (rare from what I've heard). Personally I would like to keep the spending range from $150-$350.

Any tips?

[Apotheosis]

You'll definitely be able to get some really nice guns within that price range. Around $150 will get you a more than reasonable starter gun, but still something that is considered on the lower end of the spectrum. Between $200-250 will get you a great platform for any weapon style from a number of brands such as Echo 1, Classic Army, G&G, KWA, etc. Anything $300 and above is generally rarer guns such as the FN2000, FAL's, ACR's, etc. If youre just starting out and are not really sure if you'll stick with it yet, I would suggest picking up an ICS or G&G sportline model (which have plastic bodies, but are still great internally) or something like an Echo 1 plastic model. These will be great bases and are very good for upgrading later down the road should you decide to continued to play.

[hasaveral]

Now what if I specifically want a metal gun? I've played paintball and all and I was not exactly to fond of the plastic bodies. Especially since I play in the woods a lot. Are the same brands good for the metal guns as well? And what's the recommended package I should be getting? (i.e. 2 batteries, 2 mag's...etc ?)

[Apotheosis]

The only thing you'll run into with guns with metal bodies is that the prices will be slightly higher. You will still be in the $200-$300 price range, but within that range you can go with higher quality guns right from the beginning such as KWA, ICS, G&G, G&P, etc. There are a bunch of companies that have guns in that price range that have metal bodies, and all have good internal parts quality. The first step would be to choose a weapon style (M4, MP5, G36, AK, etc.) and then choose a manufacturer from there.

As for the package, for the most part guns will come with a battery, but there are brands such as KWA which normally wont come with a battery from the factory. One battery is generally enough to last a day of play unless you plan on doing tons of firing or if other factors such as weather come into play (since your battery won't last as long when it's colder outside). As for magazines, it all depends on what you would like to use. You can get high capacity, mid capacity, or standard capacity magazines. High caps hold anywhere from 200 rounds to 500 rounds depending on the style of gun. Mid caps will generally hold anywhere from 75 to 150 rounds, and standard caps will hold whatever the real steel counterpart of the weapon holds. I use mid caps mostly because its more realistic and requires you to pick and choose your shots more carefully, but if you're just starting out, high caps are normally fine. Most guns will come with a single high cap mag from the factory anyway.

[hasaveral]

So I've been talking to a few guys at work and I can get like 4 people who would play consistently. But where is there to play within a 3 hour drive of Norfolk?

[Apotheosis]

There are lots of places down that way. One is Ballahack Airsoft which is alright, and there are a few more I cant think of right now, but there are way more places down that way than there are near Richmond (which is none).