I would start with an Echo1 M28 no upgrades needed and performs really well outa the box. and all for under 400$ see how you like the sniper roll and then decide if you would like to upgrade parts and stuff as far as long term reliability i cannot comment as it just came out this year and it does have a couple issues that all have easy fixes. This is just my opinion as a sniper all i can say is i wish i had this gun when i started it woulda saved me alot a cash. Now that being said it is not a 1200$ upgraded CA M24 either but it does get the job done.
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