Michael Hartman

UWRT-1103
Exploratory essay draft #3
Everyone has a passion that they pursue in their lifetime. For some, it may be about
building model airplanes or being fully committed to a local non-profit organization. For others,
it may be a passion for something that they may hate like politics or just the amount of time
spent a day on homework. We all strive to have that one passion that shows who we are to others.
I have a strong passion for a very distinct sport relatively unknown to many people. That sport is
airsoft.
It was a bright and sunny day in the field. The trees were tall and filled with red, orange,
and yellow leaves since it was the middle of fall. I was lying down by an uprooted tree that was
on its side to look like a makeshift mound or bunker. I was sitting in between the dead branches
of the uprooted tree with my sniper lying next to me. The spot was completely silent and was
very peaceful. However, I noticed that everything around me was too quiet. So I naturally
listened for anything unusual and sure enough, I could hear footsteps coming to the south-east of
my position in the field. I could smell the fresh scent of deodorant breezing past my nostrils. I
looked up and saw my first two targets scouting the area ahead of them in my immediate vicinity.
All of a sudden, I felt a surge of adrenaline kick into gear and time around me seemed to slow
down. My breathing began to slow down and became completely silent as I kept a keen eye on
their actions to come. As I watched my targets survey the area, I noticed that they were beginning
to turn away and I watched as they started to leave the area. Time began to flow normally again
and my breathing slowly returned to normal. This rush of energy usually would not be accessed

on a regular basis but changing your mindset to the match allows you to feel the adrenaline rush
into you and that feeling shows the amount of passion for the sport itself. Airsoft falls into the
classification of using fake guns with non-lethal ammunition to take out other players like in
paintball. However, the difference is that paintball requires you to have balls of paint as
ammunition. The ammunition used in airsoft varies but the main component is made up of plastic
beads. The beads are loaded into the gun with a magazine and are fired through the barrel of the
gun. The size of the beads differs depending on the gun type. The beads can range from .12, .20, .
25, .32, and .48. Even though players have a choice of what size ammunition they want to use,
most gun are recommended to shoot .2s because it is the not only the standard bead size used but
also because other sizes, overtime, can cause damage to the internals of the airsoft gun which
could leave you out of the fun.
There are many other ways to customize how you play airsoft. For example, airsoft
regulations state that safety goggles must be worn at all times during a match. There are many
different brands and types of goggles that can be worn so you can pick what fits your style.
Speaking of style, you have a choice to wear whatever you want during the match. Although its
not required, many people choose to wear body armor to look more professional and to reduce
the amount of pain inflicted on oneself. Or sometimes people choose to wear vests to show off
how good or professional they look while playing. Above all that armor and below the goggles,
some players wear a nose and mouth guard to protect the lower portion of their face. It is not
required to have a nose or mouth guard but players choose to either to feel more safe while
playing airsoft or to just show off. Customization doesnt just vary with armor or clothing or
protection, it also varies with weapon choice.

In airsoft, there are many types of guns that can be used in combat. These weapons can
range from grenades, side arms, and primary weapons. In the primary weapon category, there are
various weapon types to choose from which range from snipers, assault rifles, sub machine guns,
heavy machine guns, dmr, and shotguns. In most airsoft complexs, there is a 450 fps (feet per
second) limit which for the most part has no effect on using any of the listed primary weapons.
However, in an indoor airsoft complex, the maximum fps is around 350 which is a problem for
those who use any of those primary weapons. That is where the use of side arms comes into play.
Personally I prefer side arms because they are easier to use and are more reliable at close
distances. Side arms usually have a maximum fps limit of 350 which is the standard for most
airsoft side arms; however, some are set at 450 because of the type of ammo that is inserted so
those who choose to use a side arm with that range have to be careful in indoor arenas. Finally,
grenades are considered unnecessary and optional because they are used to either distract
opposing players or to just make your equipment look more professional. Grenades are usually
filled with compressed gas like CO2 which after releasing the pin for the grenade, creates a loud
noise that is guaranteed to distract everyone nearby. Overall, grenades, side arms, and primary
weapons vary in many ways but are based on each players play style or how they perceive the
game. For instance, most people consider assault rifles when fighting in open fields while some
players would use a shotgun or side arm in close quarter combat. Either way, gun choice is
unique to each individual player.
Airsoft has a lot of fun qualities. You can play in teams, customize your outfits for match
play, and choose which gun suits you the most. I am especially passionate about this game
because it allows me to be myself as I play the game and to feel challenged all the time. Being
challenged constantly is the main reason why I cannot ignore airsoft. It I a part of my life and

personality and it shows who I really am when I play with others. I can honestly say that airsoft
is a sport that I am very passionate about and I hope I can continue playing throughout my
college career.