First, OP, is your budget $250 for the gun, or for a complete setup (Gun, Optic, Battery, Mags)?
There are a lot of good options out there, everything has a strength or a weakness. There is a lot to like in the G&G Combat Machines. While the DBoys guns do have metal bodies, they don't quite have as nice fit and finish as G&G. Check out the GC16 series if you want a G&G with a metal body.
Airsoft Outlet NW's Black Friday sale is a great way to get into the sport. Check out the flyer to see what's going to be on sale.
http://www.airsoftoutletnw.com/news/blackfriday