Buying my first gun

k youve got a good price range and lots of options, you can buy many excellent markers for recreational play. the a5, is very strong, durable marker that needs little maitanence or upgrades.  the ion is slightly more accurate, more air effiicient (i use co2 with my a5, works best) and can feel more comfortable to some, and you can customize it almost as much as an a5, but the ion does not have the durability the a5 does. ions are prone to breakdown, a lot of people have problems with them, and you will have to buy a electric hopper for the ion. what ever suites you.   pbnation.com as well as ebay are great places to find cheap guns.   you could even think about pump play, you could get a good phantom on pbnation for 350,  or if you feel dedicated to the sport try an autococker, you can get good cocker at that price, ive seen karnivores (electric, meaning fast) which are very nice, go for 350.    autocockers take a bit more comitment to learn about, clean and maintain(cleaning the front pneumatics after getting shot there is torture......)       when thinking about getting a marker also think about what upgrades you would like.

Well I could answer your question if you gave more specific details. But I would agree with the two people above me. The A5 isn't a bad choice if you play in the woods more than a speedball field. The ion isnt a bad choice for beginners in speedball. The A5 is durable, heavy, and ?*shootable*? straight out of the box. The ion is light, fast, and accurate out of the box. But whatever suits you is fine with me. I am glad that people are starting to help our paintball industry.