Hello, i'm new to the forums and to airsoft in general, even though i have shot airguns for over 10 years. I've only ever used loaner guns the few times i've been to an airsoft event, and i'm wanting to get my first proper airsoft gun. Thing is i'm torn between 2 different choices, and i don't know what the general consensus is on both the manufacturers.
The two guns i am looking at i would consider to be in the starter (but not budget) range, being between £150 and £200. The Army Arnament R36 (G36c Clone, GBB) and the JG AUG (AEG, military model with built in scope) I'm looking at both of these as it's pretty much impossible to get a full metal gun at this price point, and even the real AUG and G36c have a lot of plastic on them, these guns seem to have a similar amount of metal and plastic to the originals, so the weight should be about the same (If anyone can confirm their weights it would be much appriciated)
The question is for me, what is the opinion of anyone who has owned either of these, is army arnament a good manufacturer? I don't know much about them and i know a little more about JG and it seems from what i've been reading that the AUG is one of their better offerings and it comes with a battery & charger. (getting a smart charger will be one of the first accessories on my list of things to get) But then again i also like the idea of a gas blowback - the blowback feature is nice and they sound a lot better than an AEG. I'm also used to gas blowback airguns so maintenance would be a lot more difficult on an AEG for me as i have experience with 4.5mm GBB guns.
I'm certainly not the richest man in the world, in fact i'm quite poor so even something at this price point is a big investment for me - it has to be reliable and sturdy, and that's one of the reasons i'm thinking the GBB G36c is maybe a better option, but the fact it's a G36c puts me off a bit - if it is possible for me to replace the barrel & front handguard to turn it into a regular G36 and not a G36c i will definitly go for the G36c as i much prefer a GBB system over a AEG. However if i'm gonna be stuck with a G36c then i will go for the AUG - as the AUG A1 is my favourite variant of the AUG and i won't need to replace a load of parts.
As you can see i'm torn between the two. I've got plenty of time before i buy - 6 days infact before i'm paid and will get one or the other. In a way i'm hoping i'm told one is amazing and one is rubbish so the decision is made for me, even now as a grown man i'm one of the most indecisive people i know, and the fact i know little about airsoft (I know more about real-steel firearms and airguns) only makes my decision harder.
Any information on either of the guns would be a big help. Any major flaws, if the guns have a good reputation and also what parts they can take - down the line i definitly would want to convert the G36c to a G36 if possible and wouldn't know what parts to buy. Would the WE GBB G36 parts fit? I know a stock and top rail from an AEG would probably be fine, but the barrel would be my main concern. Would i need to replace the inner barrel or just the outer? Would i need to replace the gas system? I know i would have a much better understanding of this with the gun infront of me, but i don't want to buy if i know this isn't possible.
Also if you say 'why don't you just buy a GBB G36 from the get go?' well there isn't any in my price range available. There is some in the £300+ category, but there is none in the £150-£200. but to pick up this £160 GBB G36c and then replace some parts would be much more economical - plus i can switch back to a G36c anytime, which would be nice for CQB. If anyone can advise a G36 at the sub-£200 price point that is GBB that would be great - hell i'll even have a look at an AEG.
Anyway my post is getting rather long. Any help you can give me is much appriciated.