Guys...I hope NONE of you airsoft at local parks, in the woods, or other public areas. This is something our group frowns upon greatly as this is how kids get shot and killed by police, freak out neighbors/other people, etc. It puts a bad name on airsoft and takes it closer to getting banned.
Just a warning.
Anyways, I would do a Google search if you haven't already, for something like "airsoft in california" or "airsoft in ____(your city)" and see if any local groups have a website. Ours is
www.stlouisairsoftplayers.com, we're in Missouri. I would recommend buying an AEG before a sniper, because unless you're REALLY into the role, or play very serious MILSIMs, snipers aren't worth the time, effort, or money to make into what they should be, not to mention that there are rarely games where taking out a specific target will change the outcome (unless doing said MILSIMs). A DMR so far seems to be the best way to go in airsoft "sniping", like upgrading an M14, FAL, or other long-barreled weapon. But yeah AEGs I think are the best way to get started, and alot of the cheaper "chinese" companies are coming out with really good copies.
www.gunnerairsoft.com has awesome prices on cheap 'clone' guns and from what we've seen they are pretty decent. Otherwise check out sites like
www.airsoftgi.com (I think they are based in CA anyways),
www.airsoftatlanta.com, and
www.airsoftextreme.com, and some overseas websites are
www.WGCShop.com, and
www.redwolfairsoft.com.