What is the best AEG for $250 or less.

[Komissar]

I was recently asked this by a newer operator.

He has $250 to spend.
Needs a reliable AEG, battery, charger, 2nd mag.
I recommend an M4, perhaps a Classic Army Sportline M4 Carbine from AEX, but feel free to post your thoughts.

[Mike Arnoult]

I would look at the KWA cqb. It is close for a brand new one, and of course if you can find a used one, then they are even cheaper. I have owned 2 used KWA cqb without any real significant problems.

Good luck,

Mike

[Phoenix]

I have the CA M16-A4 Tactical Carbine sportline. I am happy with it.

Now when I've talked to people who wanted to get into the sport I always ask this question first and foremost: "What mission do you want to portray?" I follow that up with: "Do you think you can pull that off?" The reason I ask that is sometimes people answer quickly with "SNIPER!!" I know I did. I was able to pull it off fine in the video games but on the field i failed. The last thing I tell new operators, least in my area close to AEX is to make a stop there and window shop. The gun that is right for you should jump out at you when you see it and handle it. When I got my M1911 I was set on getting a Desert Eagle. The Asian guy (never remember his name) handed me the KJW and I was in love.

Like any investment purchase, I shopped for a long time for my gun. I happened to just go into AEX to window shop and just talked to the staff there about what I wanted and what I was looking for in the construction. If he follows his gut (with some personal guidelines) he should end up with something he likes.

[Phoenix]

jeez I'm always long winded this late aren't I?

[Komissar]

We couldn't ask for a more honest truth. Thank you Phoenix.

[Phoenix]

That is why i'm now going middle of the road. My rifle now has a scope, front flip site and a silencer. It looks beastly :) Now to figure out what toys to put on the UMP...

[Sarge]

ca aug. $230 gets you a full size rifle and $15 gets a spring. great economy weapon.

[tristan appleton]

echo 1 stag m4 180$ .01 mad bull tight bore 363 40$.... systema 120 spring and alum guide 25$...the fealing of shoting just as far as you friends 385$ kwa m4.....well awsome and for everthing else thears master card...just kidin i did ths for my boys m4 it truley gave him the range and just going to a 9.6v battery made his echo1 sick we have run it like this for over a year now ...the onley thing iv had to replace was the spring 15$ did that when the gun droped from 390fps to 360 fps we play 2 times a weak never broke never sliped never complained just wanted to show another way

[Spidedd]

I would check out the Echo1 ER16. Full metal great quality m4, comes with two hi caps, fully ambidextrious, has rail covers etc. i forget all the other features..but it's real good, and for $210 you cant beat it.

[Robcat]

It all depends on longevity and cost in the long run...
Cheaper guns tend to shoot hot 400plus (which is a huge problem we are experiencing here in Florida where our average engagement is 10 - 20 feet) meaning that you will need to open up the gear box and downgrade the spring. but buying cheap guns allows you the advantage of learning what you like with out making the costly mistake of buying a high priced m series or ak series only to find out you really want a MP series.

I would definitely stay away from anything in the bull pup or Aug family as those are great guns but they need to grow on you and everyone i have gotten has been from players who bought them as first guns and never used them again.

I will always tell newer players two things:
1. Nothing beats a stock TM for longevity but you will have a lower fps for more money but a reliable gun if you treat it right.
2. if you have an airsoft tech in your pocket (good friend or family member) go with an Echo/JG/D-Boys run it into the ground and once you have figured out your play style rebuild the gun to what it is your looking for performance wise.

my best opinion would be to buy a used gun from a reliable source and find out what tickle your Fancy then up grade from there...

this will allow you to stay within budget and you usually get a few extras (web gear, magazines, helmets, gloves, extra bb's, and batteries) unless the guy selling the used rifle is a real stooge...

My first gun was an ICS M4 with the split gear box, new about 350 plus but they can be picked up used for around 150 - 200 advantage: put in a set of Prometheus infinite torque up gears and buy a second upper gear box and you can swap out a close range and long range spring assembly to use the gun indoors or outdoors with very little effort...
(i know the upgrades are expensive i am looking long term for the new guy though)

[tristan appleton]

ok well i just want to say that....if you put the best into your armery you will get the best out of your armery

[Robcat]

very true, but this is a guy on a strict budget...

tristan appleton said:

ok well i just want to say that....if you put the best into your armery you will get the best out of your armery

[Joseph Aguilar]

putting in my 2 cents. The airsoft gi G4s are very well built and cheaper than a lot of high-end guns. They have the same internals as G&Gs professional series of rifles, the GR-16, for about $150 cheaper.

http://www.airsoftgi.com/index.php?cPath=139_24_302

They have a crapload of multiple options for every type of play from cqb to dmr. If you get the G4-A5 it comes stock with a 6.03 precision barrel which is a big plus. In addition the guns shoot close to 400 fps which is a plus for a lot of newer players. you need to order a battery + charger though. so cheapest you could get for the gun and a battery is like $210. Personally i got a G4 and got some basic upgrades like a tbb, suppressor, and bigger batteries and it shoots really well.