[Ricochet]

Buy an AEG for your first gun. If you're in low price range ($200 - $400), look into G&G and King Arms, they make great starters. If into something a little better to begin with grab a VFC ($500 - $700). If price is no object then Systema is the best gun on the market. Functionality, feel, distance, accuracy, consistency, etc. They go from (1,500 - $2,500). Systema's will eventually require a motor rewind when it fails, usually anywhere from 3 months to 2 years, but 6 months to a year is average. Once it's rewound it's usually bulletproof. Getting the hop-up mod makes the best hopup better.

GBBRs are fun for the little bang or snap they make, along with the bit of kick you get when the bolt cycles. A well tuned GBBR can be very accurate, but they don't perform well when it's hot or cold, and usually cause repetitive headaches. Considering their balance of reliability and function versus maintenance and mood swings, they aren't great for a first gun.

As for realism, the kick and sound of a GBBR is best. For feel, weight and exact one to one compatibility, then Systema PTW is best. A good balance of realism is good, but accuracy, consistency and reliability come first.