[Kozzie]

First off, congrats on your evolution from paintball.

If you're looking for an AEG M4 platform IMO you have two options.

1) For a budget $250 and under, get a G&G CM (Combat Machine). Best value in this price range and has a good track record for reliability and compatibility with aftermarket parts. Just don't spend any more than $250 on a CM. I say get the raider, they can be found for $200. It's a great starter gun, it's got some rails and shoots well out of the box.

2) For a budget $350 and up get a VFC. I'm partial to the SOPMOD's but the fighter is a good option too. For the extra price you get:
- generally better internals, stronger mechbox, better airseal
- metal receiver and arguably the best externals in the industry.
- arguably the best brand for upgrades

Don't forget you'll need mags and a battery and charger on top of the gun.

Anything beyond $350, you're typically paying for mosfets and fancy externals -e.g. rails, licensed trades, anodizing and propitiatory systems such as the TM recoil shock. Externals generally represent most of the pricing differences. Guns from the same manufacturer have the same internals among their respective lines.

Used guns can be risky as a first purchase if you don't know how to diagnose and fix problems, they can cause more trouble than you save. I'm not a big fan of Ares but I'm sure others will disagree.