i have the choice of an A&K m249 (para version 258$)an tokyo marui m4 (from red wolf with a level 4 up grade 380$)an tokyo marui ak47 (level4 370$) for my bday
One of our team members has the Tokyo Marui AK-47 and he absolutely loves it. It shoots like a dream. Easy maintenance. Our guy has had it for 3 years and he hasn't had any issues with it.
The A&K m249 is alright. We have one on our team too, but unfortunately it needs a good couple of upgrades. This gun has the capability to shoot 35 rounds a second, but out of the box, it only shoots 1 bb per every three rounds. It's like it can't keep up with itself. I'd say, unless you have a tech (or know a lot about internals) and the money for extra parts, don't get it. After the upgrades though, it's amazing. Plus it's like a 15lb gun, so if you don't want the weight, I wouldn't recommend it.
If I had to choose, I'd totally get that M4. It's beast. And extremely pretty.
M4A1s are great because they have unlimited custome options puls finding replacement parts is so easy because this is a popular gun. If you pack lite then I definetly would advise against the M249. Like Nightmare said you can get a box mag or you can get a grenade launcher. I suggest the M4 over the AK-47 also because alot of M4s come with Rails for custom parts while the AK doesn't.
ii dunno if you already got a gun but id go with a echo or jg m4. you can upgrade them and still be cheaper then stock tm. alot of people now are saying clones pwn tm.
If u r a support type of player and u usually like staying back, get the m249... duh! Lol. if u r a light type of player and like getting into all sorts of action get the AK or M4. i personally would go for the M4 cuz not only is it completely customizable but it looks great.