The problem is I can't get too carried away (yet) so $600 is my soft limit for now.

I kind of need to balance my spending between hobbies. I am looking for some ARMS #22 scope rings for one of my rifles, and a few other bits and pieces here and there. I can see myself getting carried away with a decent TM or CA down the road, but I kind of overspent on other firearms this winter.

There is two ways you could do this, considering he is just starting out and doesn't know 100% that he will even continue playing, it may not be the best choice to buy the most expensive gun your can afford. The second is to buy a cheaper, quality gun that will allow you to experience the real airsoft, but at the same time not putting yourself in the situation that you have to continue playing because you spent all that money. That being said, I'm not saying a TM or CA is not worth it, but may not be the best choice to start off with.

CA seem nice, but what about that "real sword" brand? They have a nice looking SVD and their type 97 looks good as well.

Why not? A TM/CA isn't exactly hard to flip on the classifieds here and holds it's value much better than a clone.

If $600 is your limit, forget about a Real Sword.

That is true, although that is more hassle if you have no interest in the sport anymore. Although TM/CA's would be "easier" to resell, many people are looking into clones as such like JG are rising in quality, and some people just are looking for a project gun. As for Trouts other question, a Real Sword AK-47, I believe runs for about $800. the reason for the price is that Real Sword, in my opinion, makes the most realistic Airsoft weapons in the market.

Ahh I had never checked real swords prices before. I saw they were Chinese and assumed they would be affordable. Guess not.. lol.

I only paid $850 for a real type 97. I couldn't justify spending more then that on an airsoft type 97 clone...

Except you can't shoot people with the real one :D

Yea Trout, so in the end it's your decision in what you want to spend, but hopefully our information has helped you. Once again, welcome to ASC.

Ohh definately, thanks.

I was worried I would be stuck with junk at $600, but from what people here describe it sounds about right to get my foot in the door and see if I like it.

Lol I know... It is just a matter of principle. I promised myself I would not spend more on an airsoft version of a firearm then it would cost to buy the real deal. Thankfully only a few rifles like the type 97 fall into that category.

Real Sword is really nice if you want an AK variant but as serveral have already stated not cheap. CA is probably the best for Armalites and possibly mp5's (though some might debate that). Various other brands, notably TM and Star, are good for other models. It all depends on what you want and how much you're willing to spend.

If $600 is your limit for airsoft period then maybe you might want to consider one of the midgrade guns, G&G, G&P or ICS. That will allow you to get some other gear as well, namely mags, ammo, battery and charger and a chest rig or vest. If $600 is simply all you're willing to spend until you make sure you want to continue with the sport then go with a higrade gun and then buy the rest if you like the sport. That's what I did, then I fell in love with the sport (and the guns) and I'm over $2000 now, got an m4, an m203, an ak47, a gp-25, an mp5k, an m9 and a 1911 so far.

Kuro_Neko

I don't know what guns you've been looking at, but G&P nor ICS are "mid grade." G&P is considered above CA and ICS is about on par for quality.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And I'll admit I've never handled a G&P or ICS. I'm only going by what I've seen in the classifieds. G&P and ICS guns consistently go for one to two hundred dollars cheaper then CA guns average for. I just went through the classifieds again just to make sure I was remembering correctly and I was. I'd quote examples but of course that's against the rules.

Kuro_Neko