Benjamin, I am new to this also. I researched a lot of detectors. I had a friend that I respect recommend the White's MXT but I thought it was to hard to understand. I ended up with the Garrett AT Gold and have since found out that several of the more experienced people in the Chapter I am joining have the AT Pro. One of the things that attracted me to it was how easy it is to set up and use. Also being waterproof helps in the local creeks. I do know it is not SALT WATER proof and the salt water will give you false leads. I have had some luck with it though on the local beaches here near Pensacola and in the creek at the GPAA Farm Claim near Buchanan, GA.

Well Ben, nugget shooting and relic hunting are best done with a PI type detector. They don't have the bells and whistles of the  regular type detectors, what they have is depth.  If I were you, I would pick up a used PI detector.. for the beach, nugget shooting, relic hunting, I use a Whites Surfmaster PI.

It has found nuggets at various depths depending on size, a boat anchor at 4' on the beach, and a diamond/gold ring at 10" on the beach. It is water proof

and just about turn on and go. It only has 2 knobs and you just turn these to the preset position and detect.  You can probably get a used one for around $300.  Hay, mine is 14 years old, with no problems. Why blow the extra bucks when this will do it for you?  Just my thoughts based on 40+ years detecting.

Frank...-Found this at 10"

 Jest reread your post and noticed you are in the Army. They have detectors they use for mine location. They are military versions of the Garrett ATX..

 Perhaps you could "requisition" one.  Frank...-