new to the site

[Hawkeye [F.O.A.D.]]

Welcome,
You have just entered into (IMO) the best airsoft community there is. The best starter gun you can get is a G&G Combat Machine runs about $150. I live in Salem and can help you get started. shoot me a PM.

William
aka Hawkeye

[Shortbu]

If you can spend up to $300 there are MANY options out there, depending on what type of play you're interested in. Looking for good range and accuracy, the G&G M14 is a quality option. You'll probably get a wide variety of differing opinions, as everybody has their preferences here. The combat machine seems to be a staple gun among newer players. Never owned one, so I have no opinion on them.
In Salem there is Extreme Velocity. An airsoft, and paintball store on State street.
And if you're willing to make the drive, Airsoft Outlet Northwest in Cornelius, has a huge selection, and a very knowledgeable staff. Worth the drive in my opinion.
There is also Thunderkiss NW in Vancouver. They also have a descent selection.
I also live in Salem, and would be willing to help you out. You can PM me as well.
Welcome to the community, hope to see ya out there!
Shortbus out!

[Kommodant]

Warpaint used to be the place to go for us who live in Keizer. Now I tend to go to Sniperzden or the Silverton field. Both are just over 30 minutes away. If you need help with anything, pm me, I'm sure I'm a hop away.

[ClownBaby]

Yea, community.

[Jewish Ninja]

I'd suggest a Dboys M4. Own one (and had a couple in the past). Solid guns and have a better body than a G&G CM.

http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... ts_id=6724
With that, I'd get a pack of midcaps
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... s_id=10163
Some good eyepro (goto Sportmans Warehouse and look for shooting glasses. They are ANSI rated and run about 8$)
Then swing by a surplus store and get a Fighting Load Carrier if you want to go down the MOLLE route, or a couple ALICE mag pouches, ALICE belt and a canteen+ pouch and you'll be set to play at 90% of the games on AP.

A better battery (7.4v buffer lipos and lipo charger) would be a good idea as well, but not a requirement. Having a spare battery or 3 is a very good idea.
http://www.eliteairsoftbatteries.com/pr ... -pack.aspx (great site and great lipos, bought about 7 from them)

[Hawkeye [F.O.A.D.]]

I'd suggest a Dboys M4. Own one (and had a couple in the past). Solid guns and have a better body than a G&G CM.

http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... ts_id=6724
With that, I'd get a pack of midcaps
http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.p ... s_id=10163
Some good eyepro (goto Sportmans Warehouse and look for shooting glasses. They are ANSI rated and run about 8$)
Then swing by a surplus store and get a Fighting Load Carrier if you want to go down the MOLLE route, or a couple ALICE mag pouches, ALICE belt and a canteen+ pouch and you'll be set to play at 90% of the games on AP.

A better battery (7.4v buffer lipos and lipo charger) would be a good idea as well, but not a requirement. Having a spare battery or 3 is a very good idea.
http://www.eliteairsoftbatteries.com/pr ... -pack.aspx (great site and great lipos, bought about 7 from them)

A perfect newbe load out.. great way to spend $300 - $400