If I were to build an AEG DMR, I'd use this as a base:
http://torontoairsoft.com/product.php?id_product=1471

Nice gun, but pricey for my budget

A decent build with upgrades and accessories will push 1000$. Even based on a cheaper gun 700+ is to be expected.

Apart from high end or custom guns, nothing will suit your needs out of the box.

The cheaper alternative, although I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, is to get AVed and shop for a decent used package. 500$ goes a long way there, but looking at your post history I've got a feeling you are not of age.

This is a pretty expensive sport to get into, but once your there it's great, and you have the set up you want your golden. So my advice would be to save up and get the better AEG, and something you can build on at your own pace. You don't have to go zero to hero in one go with any rifle, but if you spend the money and get a good base platform you can upgrade it as you go when you have the extra cash.

I believe someone has already mentioned this as well. But as for perfered brand, everyone will have their reasons why A is better than B, so it's up to you in the end. Just because someone had a positive experience with one brand doesn't mean your going to, because with anything there is always the possibility of getting a lemon no matter what brand. Just the chances of it happening are lower if you move to the ones that are better established and supported.

I wish you luck,

The number one gun on everyone's xmas list is http://www.tokyo-marui.co.jp/product...cce/index.html

Sure it's got no sights and you've got to buy special magazines you can't swap to other AEGs but you're at the start line here; those are less important than if you already had a dozen AEGs and didn't want to get more mags etc.

I suspect I'll have one by this time next year.

Does anyone know if http://airsoftdepot.ca/catalog/produ...roducts_id=662
would fit on the ARES M4A1?

I would suggest getting the ARES, because you can literally change the spring in second, for indoor and outdoor.

As far as accuracy goes, it really depends on how you set it up I think

Lots of proprietary parts: Either a paperweight or a useful lesson in the world of CNC machining.

I have an Ares G36c. I hardly ever change the spring. Once it's in there, it stays. I can see someone using the feature more if it was their only gun. One handy use of the quick change feature is for the comparison of different springs. I have a drawer full of springs, so it's pretty easy to pop a spring in the Ares to find out the relative fps.

Ares is getting better at supplying parts.

If you ever have to open the mechbox being able to do so and close it up without having to deal with the spring snaking out is a joy.

Should fit, I believe there will be a small gap in the top rail though. I saw a DD Omega 12" on a ARES M16 so assume it will be the same for the M4.