im just getting into gbbrs, by no means an expert by a long shot but have got a bit of experience now and have done a fair bit of research into the subject that might be helpful. Assuming you have understood the maintenance and limitations of a gbbr choosing the right one to suit what sort of play style you want to use it for will make it more enjoyable.
my first foray was the kc-02 and I couldn't recommend them highly enough, by far the best "budget" gbbr out of the box and has the option of co2 mags for when it gets a bit colder. Got mine second hand, but being such a simple bolt design its pretty robust and doesn't require a lot maintenance. good conversation starter at games, a pretty sexy rifle and has an m4 stock tube so leaves for lots of customisation options to make them unique. Accuracy and range is ok stock, aftermarket buckings aren't great and Ra-tech inner barrels are rarer then rocking horse sh*t nowadays so would definitely recommend the tophatrunner aeg/vsr chamber that lets you use aeg/vsr inner barrels and vsr buckings with great results. Only down sides are the lack of full auto, and the mags are HEAVY! I run three spares on my plate carrier and I wouldn't suggest any more. Length is ok in cqb but this gun really shines as a dmr plAtform in outdoor games where other gbbr often fall a bit short. if your after a reliable,consistent and accurate gbbr with low maintenance then this is a perfect introduction rifle. Also mags are pretty cheap at around £30
i haven't owned one of these but a ghk G5 is another great starter gbbr, they are pretty gas efficient and supposedly the mags are pretty immune to cold and work pretty well in the winter which is a big plus. They are pretty odd looking rifle in my opinion...like a g36/m4/scar hybrid thing but if your after something different it's definitely that and comes in both cqb/carbine variations with aftermarket dmr kit available. Only thing that put me off was the price of mags, around £50 each. Definitely something to consider though as they are very well regarded in terms of build and reliability.
the gun I ended up buying was a we tech 888c (hk416c)
not exactly what you were after so going to broaden this to the we open bolt range.
price wise these guns are good way to get into gbbr, build quality is good on the externals and have no worries about them holding up but the internals are already showing signs of wear. Not a problem as there is quite a few aftermarket brands making higher quality parts for these guns but just be prepared for investing for the long term. Gas efficiency in the open bolt system is pretty good and have never had a mag gas out before shooting all the bbs, also came with a weaker winter spring if you want to up the rof. Mags are pretty light, cheap(ish) and readily available.
anywhoo hope this helps, and whatever you end up getting you will struggle to be disappointed despite their flaws as gbbr are great fun.
