For metals I have always liked Reaper Minutres, but like all metal minitures there is a cost involved.

Recently a friend showed me a set called Mage Knight i think.. its unfortunately no longer produced he took these plastic figures seperated thema nd re-attatched them to plastic bases.

And while i wouldnt Recomend Most of their Stuff if you can afford it and want alot of guys you can set up for whatever role youw ant them for in bulk. Look at some of Games workshops Plastic Figures for the Armies.

So you get 15-20 guys you can assemble with the weapons you want, same for zombies or orcs etc. But i havent baught any of these sets in 10 years and i am sure the price has gone up. But once painted they look really nice.

would allow you to make bandits or guardsmen or whatever you need.

Sadly most of my ideas cost money :(