My opinion (but you did ask!), the basic full sized M249.
I have one in my weapons display when we do shows, it's very popular with public and veterans alike.
The Para 249 is interesting, but most veterans (including me) have never seen one in the wild, so there is no "connection".
There's my
, which unsurprisingly is precisely what it is worth!
By the way, the airsoft guns are very accurate and realistic, most folks don't realize they are not the original article unless picked up.
Military guns almost always look well worn, with the corners buffed shiny just from use. You can gently stress the airsoft gun high points with a Scotchbrite pad, just enough to wear through some of the paint, and they will look even more real.
But that part is up to you to decide on, if and how much wear.
Cheers
A real gun in use
View attachment 870799
My M249 scuffed (but not yet cleaned!) -
View attachment 870800 View attachment 870801