Introduction
This assignment is designed for us to write three definitions of a relatively complex term used within our particular discipline or profession. For this assignment, I will present a parenthetical definition, a sentence definition, and an expanded definition of the technical term for non-technical readers who need background information to understand the technical term, allowing anyone interested to understand the technical term without the need for technical knowledge.
Complex Term: Gas Blowback
Target Audience and Reading Situation
The targeted audience for this technical term is people interested in owning an airsoft gun but need practical knowledge to handle one properly, similar to the idea of a firearm safety course but for airsoft. Blowback is a primary feature for all gas blowback airsoft guns as it utilizes a similar mechanic to a real firearm that produces a recoil. Like the recoil on a real firearm, blowback can cause lifelong injuries if not appropriately handled (Morawski). Thus, with the explanation of this relatively complex term, novice shooters can understand the danger and safety concerns necessary when operating a gas blowback airsoft gun, preventing potentially avoidable injuries.
Parenthetical Definition
Blowback is a mechanism in gas blowback airsoft guns (also known as GBB) that utilizes compressed air to operate, and the blowback effect is especially appreciated by people who pursue realism in airsoft guns.
Sentence Definition
Blowback is used to describe an effect or system in airsoft guns, one that represents the action of a slide or a chamber being moved backward because of the excessive gas that pushes it.
Expanded Definition:
Operating Principle – How does Gas Blowback work?
When the trigger of a gas blowback airsoft gun is pulled, it will release the gun’s hammer and hit the knock valve, which releases compressed gas into the air nozzle. The air nozzle then funnels all of the compressed air directly onto the BB pellet held in the chamber and pushes the BB pellet out of the barrel. Upon pushing the pellet out, the remaining gas is released into the air and expands within the air nozzle, pushing the slide backward and creating the motion we know as blowback. Thus, the higher the compressed air pressure is, the higher the pellet’s velocity and blowback motion will be. Blowback can be understood as the recoil of an airsoft gun, as it operates with a similar principle and mechanism to a real firearm where an external force outside the bullet or pellet propels them forward, creating the motion we know as firing (Morawski).
Visual: Gas Blowback Airsoft Gun
Figure 1. A visualization of the internal structure of a gas blowback gun
Comparison and Contrast – How does Gas Blowback differ from Electric Blowback?
As mentioned above, gas blowback is possible only with compressed gas, where the whole system and motion rely on it as the primary energy source. However, the primary power source for electric blowback is the battery connected to the gun. Electric blowback airsoft guns run on a different mechanism than gas blowback airsoft guns as their blowback is fabricated, created on purpose, and uses energy on its own instead of being a byproduct like gas blowback. The goal of electric blowback is to create a sense of realism because traditional electric airsoft has no sound or recoil, but with the introduction of the electric blowback airsoft guns, there are sound and recoil to increase their realism while keeping the practical feature of the automatic electric gun (Lewis). However, the sound and recoil effect of electric blowback is often weaker than gas blowback due to its use of additional battery power, for there is a limit to the battery capacity and motor power. In contrast, gas blowback can obtain a higher recoil and louder sound by using higher compressed air pressure.
History– Where did Gas Blowback come from?
Airsoft originated in Japan in the early 1970s by Ichiro Nagata; his invention was first known as a soft air gun, created as an alternative to the firearm prohibition law in Japan as it is nonlethal (Annely). The original airsoft gun was spring powered, but it fires the same 6mm BB pellets as the modern ones. The first gas blowback airsoft gun was produced in 1986 by Tokyo Marui, one of this age’s leading manufacturers of airsoft guns. Gas blowback airsoft was popularized by its realistic feature of recoil, giving users a sense of realism like firing a real firearm. Gas blowback airsoft guns can also be used for training, whereas military and police forces can use them for combat training. Nowadays, gas blowback is particularly popular in the airsoft community around the world. Furthermore, as survival games or airsoft wargames become increasingly popular, more people can enjoy the thrill of the in-person shooting sport and find pleasure in the sense of realism, thus popularizing gas blowback airsoft guns on a global scale.
Required Conditions – Under what condition should Gas Blowback be used?
Gas blowback airsoft guns should only be used in a safe environment and only by people with the proper knowledge to handle one. The blowback can propel the slide of a gun backward; if positioned too close to an eye, the blowback momentum of the slide can cause life-long severe injury. Moreover, knowing how to hold a gas blowback airsoft gun is also crucial, as the slide could cut your hand during the blowback action if not held properly. Thus, gas blowback airsoft guns should only be used under the supervision of an expert or by people with proper safety knowledge and safety equipment.
Works Cited
Morawski, Mateusz, et al. “Application of Design of Experimental Methods in Theoretical Analysis of the Gas-Delayed Blowback Operation Firearm Action.” Applied Sciences, vol. 12, no. 23, 2022, pp. 12216.
Lewis, Brett. “What’s Better for Airsoft Gas or Electric?” AirsoftNut. 2021. https://www.airsoftnut.com/whats-better-for-airsoft-gas-or-electric/
Annely, Kristy. “Airsoft Gun History.” streetdirectory.com. 2023. https://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/120271/technology/airsoft_gun_history.html
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