I used to be big into airsoft. Played regularly for about 4 years and attended milsim events around the Southeast. Only reason I stopped is I got big into wheeling, which eats up all the $$ //LMAO//. The M4/AR platform is probably the best to go with as most people run them, so mags are easy to come by and there is the most aftermarket support. Also the version 2 style gearbox (which is what are in the M4/AR platforms) are easy to work with and upgrade. The last airsoft AR I bought was a G&G pneumatic blowback 4 years ago, still works today and wasn't too expensive (~$200). Airsoft can definitely get expensive depending on how into it you get. The airsoft guns can end up costing more than their real steel counterparts, and gear can add up fast. As for places to buy, Airsoft Atlanta is good if you want to go to a physical store and browse. Online, evike.com and airsoftgi.com are the big ones.