So lets say there is a $800 dedicated in upgrades for a plastic gun. How much does that really matter compared to what you spend the rest of the year? The initial cost of a gun, upgrades, and such, is far over shadowed by consumable costs. 12 club matches a year ($20 per)- $240
Ammo for matches (200 rounds ish, $12/100)- $288
Sectional Match - $100
Practice ammo (5,000 rounds, then 15,000, $120 per k) - $600/$1,800
If you are super cool: Area match - $100?
Ammo - $36
Class- $500
Ammo - $120
So in a year, your consumable costs range from $1,228 to $3,184. This does not include travel, lodging, or gas. So why worry about a bit of money put into a gun that the person enjoys? Especially when you factor a $800 set of upgrades for a plastic gun over...3/4 years? Shoot what you like, and enjoy our sport...it is a sport for fun after all.