Thanks for the welcomes,
I'm sure i'll probably annoy a few people with questions!
There is actually a really local shop to me (about 10 minute drive) that I've popped into where I'll more than likely be buying the gun from and get to test a couple out before forking out a lot of money. Just want to get an idea of what I'm looking for before walking in and saying "I want a gun"
Your son has taste. I like the Garand ever since the first the original Call of Duty games, That sound of the cartridge ejecting... Music. That's why I like the M14, it lacks the sound but it's the modern equivalent.
The £300 budget isn't set in stone (it was originally 200-250 when I started looking) but I would like it to include Batteries and Charger. Though I'm not against going higher for the right gun if it's worth it.
My buddy also rented a G36, his one had the left side fire selector missing from it, lucky it still had the right one there, just looked like you could do some damage if you snagged yourself on the exposed block.
I may well end up going M4 as they are versatile especially as I'll need something for woodland and CQB. This is all speculation though as until I've actually got to shoot a bunch and found which ones I really like I'm just talking out my backside.
Thetford is about an hours drive from me so I wouldn't be a regular there but would definitely like to try out as many sites as possible in the area.