Top Choice Entry Level AEG

As a service to newer players I'm asking our more veteran members to make a recommendation on an entry level AEG. As you think about your choice, keep in mind that the new player has a limited budget and no knowledge of the inner workings of a gearbox, but an interest in getting on the field soon. As such, consider price, reliability, availability (boxed gun and replacement parts) and ease of operation. If this player joins the ranks of the infected/addicted, this gun will most likely become a back-up, so don't worry about upgrades.

PJ

My top recommendation would have to be a JG G36C.

Reasoning for:
------------------
-Price
-Lightweight
-Simple
-Durable
-Reliable
-High-capacity mags
-CQB or field capable
-Ambidextrous
-Good performer
-Common parts

Reasons against:
----------------------
-HK copyright hounds...

I would agree with Judkins for the most part. However, an M4 variant gives you an advantage with M4 magazines.

I would suggest a plastic body JG M733 variant over the G36C.
Reasoning for:
------------------
-Price about $140
-Lightweight
-Simple straight forward operation
-Durable - internals are common place
-Reliable - internals are inexpensive and common
-accessorizing - you can use some real steel components that are cheap and common place
-Magazines - you can spend as little or as much as you want, everyone has an M4 variant so you could share mags with your "battle buddy."
-CQB or field capable - very much
-Good performer - out of the box the gun works well
-Metal body and Hop is an inexpensive upgrade to add to external durability
-Version 2 mechbox is well documented

Reasons against:
----------------------
-plastic receiver
-version 2 mechbox has known flaws
-everyone has one

Agree: G36 is the best player level gun for a newb


Additionally: Armalite variant is my second choice simply because most players do the g36 and then move on to Armalite. Does that mean you should skip the g36 ......I would say no, the g36 is arguably the best durability for the value.

If I had to pick my first AEG again I would have to go with an M4 variant along the lines of an AGM full metal M4:

Reasons:
----------------
- Price around $160
- fairly light for a full metal M4
- Durable
- Simple opperation
- lots of parts and upgrades available
- Reliable
- two versions available ( CQB or Field )
- Hi-Cap mags ( Plus lots of variants of mags available )
- Plus just about everyone owns a M4 so you can share mags
- Good performance
- Metal Body ( So you don't have to worry about it breaking )
- Version 2 gearbox ( So it has lots of parts available )

Reasons Against :

------------------------------------

- Really can't think of any

I think I agree with the JG G36C also.

It's:
Lightweight yet durable
Easy to shoot and adjust hop-up
Large-capacity Hi-Cap mags (as compared to M-4)
Folding stock
Plenty or replacement parts
Less intimidating barrel removal and hop-up replacement
Version 3 gearbox
More available at more retailers (VS AGM)

PJ

+1 for the JG G36c

Durable, easy to use and cheap.

If not the G36c then a cheap M4 would be a good choice as well for its compatibility with parts and mags. Would cost around the same as the G36c as well.