oh im all for starting budget being low for now haha. especially these days where alot of what used to be crap companies, actually make great stuff now. and prices are alittle lower for more tech. best bet though is to post up a list of stuff youre interested in and people will come at you with things and offers. im planning on getting an ICS M16 build, metal upper and lower reciever with full stock, handful of mags for less than 200, looking at a killer RRV Chest Rig i might negotiate alittle on, and still waiting on other offers. i set my budget to 300 dollars starting and plan to be on the field for the game up at Mt. Ord the end of this month. as far as gun types, ive always been partial to anything by Tokyo Marui, Classic Army and even some newer Echo1 stuff ive heard good reviews on. best way to learn what you like is to get out to an OP and check out what others are bringing. most will be happy to let you look their gear over and feel it out. i havent done any CQB type runs except for a LOOOONG time ago at SASCO and that was a pistol match. fun stuff. if you ever check out the CQB place out here, let me know because id love to tag along.