First AEG please help

hi
i am new to airsoft and want to get my first AEG.
i would like to get either an M4, AK47 or MP5 and am spending $150-$250.
I would appreciate some info on the different brands because i don't want a gun that will break easily or is unreliable.
Also what is the difference between plastic and metal bodies?
any other info would help loads!
thanks!

First I will address your second question. Plastic bodies are used on many airsoft guns and are generally durable enough to handle your usual use. Metal bodies are preferred for realism and feel, but can sometimes be weaker than high-end plastic. Most Chinese manufacturers use crappy metal that is barely enough to hold up against moderate use.

Now, here's what I would recommend given your three choices.
Any of these [Combat Machine M4s] will be very reliable and a good portal into airsoft. They all feature some of the strongest plastic bodies available, and are identical internally (except for the blowback ones). You could use the leftover money for a smart charger, accessories, BBs, gear, etc. M4s are very versatile.

Or if you prefer an AK, check out [CYMA's lineup]. They are all very reliable and look great, in my opinion. Many feature metal bodies and/or real wood.

Lastly, the MP5. I would recommend one of the following:
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?products_id=4462
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=408_421&products_id=4460
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=408_421&products_id=4461
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=408_421&products_id=6051
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=408_421&products_id=7135
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=408_421&products_id=4479
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?cPath=408_421&products_id=4478

All of the CYMAs have the same internals, all the Combat Machines have the same internals, and all the Echo 1s have the same internals. So mostly it's a matter of preference over brand and external features.

PS - There are literally thousands of other choices, but I just picked my favorite from your choices of M4, AK, and MP5. Echo 1 also makes some good G36s, M4s, and CYMA also has a good M14. Oh, and G&G makes great M4s too.

I was actually looking at the combat machine M4's. They seem to be the best for my price range. I think that i will get one of those.
Also which charger would be best and which batteries and how many shots will a battery last for?
Sorry for asking so many questions but how many batteries and magazines should i buy?
thanks very much!

From personal experience the combat machine is like a tank

Like everybody else, I'll reccomend the combat machine, although the charging handle doesn't work and you have to MANUALLY open the dust cover hatch its still worth it for its price. Make sure to adjust the hop up correctly, I've seen many combat machines where the owner hasn't even bothered to twist the hop up nob. Also, it is very upgradable I think you'll like it.

I would recommend an [Intellect 9.6v] which should last a few hours if you stick to semi-auto or 2-3 shot bursts. IMO there's no need to buy more than one unless you want a backup, which would be a good idea as long as you don't mind loosening your budget. As for the charger [this one] should be fine. Total with tax should be just under $210. So you could get [a couple of these] plus [some BBs] and a [rifle bag]. At checkout, use the coupon code "hot" or "tim" and 10% will be taken off your order for a total of around $245.

Happy shopping!

a G&G gr16 would be a good way to go, I have heard many great things about them and have seen them in action.

Also as Drummer recommended, I think you should definitely get a CYMA ak (honestly I would trust them over a combat machine) You can NEVER go wrong with CYMA And you would NEVER regret buying a CYMA

Wow I was so dumb! I forgot that $1 is like £0.6.
My budget is £150-£250 which is about $300-$380!
I will still get the combat machine M4 I think because that leaves me enough for some other stuff.
Thanks very much for the info on batteries and chargers too.

tom5678 wrote:

Wow I was so dumb! I forgot that $1 is like £0.6.
My budget is £150-£250 which is about $300-$380!
I will still get the combat machine M4 I think because that leaves me enough for some other stuff.
Thanks very much for the info on batteries and chargers too.

Then you could get something even better than a combat machine

I don\'t know, with all the other stuff like a good charger, some magazines and a vest it will be like $400 i think thats about my max.

Yeah I highly recommend a smart charger, it reduces the time of charge and saves your batter, I love it . I had the GR16... not too impressed, the hop up wasn't consistent and it has the same exact gearbox as the combat machine, get a nice rig and a lot of midcaps, they rarely misfeed.

If you're in the UK there are laws prohibiting non-transparent or non-bright colored airsoft guns unless you have a special permit/license or are in an airsoft club. So check with your laws and Airsoft GI's policies before you try ordering. Otherwise, your budget has plenty of leeway for accessories and/or gear... But you might be stuck to a pink Combat Machine.

I also suggest the Combat Machine M4's. But by my personal opinion, I would say don't get the blow back version. While it is all nice and cool for that whole "realism" effect it gives off. It cuts down on the ability to upgrade the M4 once you get to that stage. The upper receiver and the whole gearbox in general is set up SPECIFICALLY for the Blow Back effect. It started making me mad when I dropped in a systema gearbox and motor into it. Also, you might want to look into getting a different PISTOL GRIP for it, one that has a larger ADJUSTMENT SCREW. The one on the stock CM M4 is alright for a while, but it soon crapped out on me and stripped all the way to the point where my motor was just sitting in my pistol grip spinning and ripping up my gearbox.

tom5678 wrote:

I don\'t know, with all the other stuff like a good charger, some magazines and a vest it will be like $400 i think thats about my max.

Sounds like you have a good plan, Drummer hooked you up. Stick to it!!
First off, its never a bad thing to have cash left over.....(It goes to your next gun, BBs, mags, etc )
Second, I highly reccomend buying a smart charger as previously stated. will save you sooo much time, and $$$ because it wont ruin your batteries, like so many of mine have been because I didn't have a smart charger.

So, Charger and Battery are firstly most important. Not sure if the package drummer suggested came with a battery...maybe I over looked it.
Next most important is Magazines. Gotta have Ammo and a way to carry it.
Thennn you can max out if you wish with any extra cash, on sights, optics, grips, rails ETC.

Remember, as I said you don\'t have to spend ALL your $$$ in one package...you still need some web-gear!! (I think)