Barrett M90 - American large-caliber sniper rifle , created according to the bullpup scheme in 1990 by Barrett Firearms . The rifle was developed under the 12.7x99 mm NATO cartridge (known in the USA as .50 BMG). Manual reloading, the bolt is longitudinally sliding, the barrel has a muzzle brake, there are folding bipods, the receiver consists of detachable upper and lower parts. Meals are provided from 5-cartridge stores. There are no sights, but there is a Picatinny rail that allows you to set optical sights. Production was conducted until 1995, when the new Barrett M95 rifle was developed, featuring a modified USM design and a pistol grip moved 25 mm forward.
| Barrett m90 | |
|---|---|
| Type of | large-caliber sniper rifle |
| A country |  USA |
| Service History | |
| In service |  Provisional Irish Republican Army |
| Wars and conflicts | Conflict in Northern Ireland ( Southern Armagh Sniper ) |
| Production history | |
| Constructor | Barrett firearms |
| Designed by | 1990 |
| Manufacturer | Barrett firearms |
| Years of production | 1990-1995 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight kg | 9.52 (empty) |
| Length mm | 1345 |
| Barrel length mm | 737 |
| Cartridge | 12.7 × 99 mm NATO (.50 BMG) |
| Work principles | longitudinally sliding shutter ( rotary ) |
| starting speed bullets , m / s | 850 |
| Sighting range , m | 2000 |
| Type of ammunition | 5 round magazine |
| Aim | Picatinny rail for mounting optical sights |
Content
Development
The Barrett M90 rifle is a sniper weapon operating on the principle of a sliding shutter and providing for manual reloading. The production of the rifle was carried out by Barrett Firearms from 1990 to 1995. This is a further development of the Barrett M82A1 self-loading rifle, characterized by a bullpup layout (due to this it is more compact and lightweight) [1] . The weapon was specially created for the needs of military and civilians who were looking for a convenient rifle chambered for the 50th caliber. In addition to the presence of a muzzle brake installed on all large-caliber rifles [2] , the rifle also has a Picatinny rail (mounts for mounting any optical sight) instead of a traditional mechanical sight or other open sight [1] .
The length of the barrel of the rifle is exactly the same as that of the M82A1, however the barrel itself is rigidly fixed (unlike the M82, where the barrel has a short stroke). The barrel is locked on three combat stops. The two-chamber muzzle brake, like the predecessor Barrett M82A1 and the future successor Barrett M95. It redirects powder gases, reducing recoil and preventing the barrel from jumping during fast firing, although the very possibility of quick firing is very limited [3] . As a result, the rifle is sometimes referred to as hand-held sniper artillery guns [2] .
The rifle is made of stamped steel, which reduces the mass of the weapon and increases its reliability, reduces the total number of parts necessary for the full functioning of the weapon, and simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the weapon. The receiver consists of two detachable parts, upper and lower (they are connected by transverse pins). The upper one is connected to the barrel and the bar, the lower one to the handle and trigger. The store is located in the butt of the weapon [1] : it is smaller in size and holds only five rounds. The stock with a magazine and a butt plate is located directly behind the trigger mechanism and increases stability when firing. The bipod is folding, it also increases the accuracy and stability of the rifle and reduces recoil. The traditional riflescope is the Leupold M with 10x magnification. The weapon is equipped with a pistol grip with a trigger.
The production of the rifle was carried out from 1990 to 1995. In 1995, it was replaced by the new Barrett M95 rifle, developed after a series of technological innovations introduced into the Barrett Firearms weapons. It has been adopted in many countries of the world and is more effective than the M90: the pistol grip is moved forward, which played a positive role in the process of installing the magazine and removing cartridges; a chrome barrel appeared; trigger mechanism has been improved. Nevertheless, the Barrett M90 is still popular in the weapons market and is sold both in conventional weapons stores and ordered via the Internet [2] .
Application
The Barrett M90 is a rifle that cannot be fired from the shoulder. To prepare for firing, you must first advance the bipod and set it on a hard surface for firing. Weapons must be checked carefully for the slightest malfunctions, which can lead to inaccurate shooting. Since automation is based on a sliding shutter, usually possible malfunctions come down to jamming of the cartridge or problems with its extraction. After installing the rifle at the firing position, a 5-round magazine is inserted into the rifle, and the rifle is ready to fire. The shooter holds the forearm of the rifle to prevent the weapon from tipping over. The design of the rifle allows you not even to press your shoulder to the weapon. The return is reduced due to the muzzle brake and bipod [1] .
The rifle was used by the rebels of the Provisional IRA . It is believed that several British soldiers in South Armagh were killed from these rifles from 1990 to 1997 [4] . It has also been used in various sports shooting competitions among civilians.
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 Books, 2011 .
- ↑ 1 2 3 Long, 1988 .
- ↑ Michaelis, 2000 .
- ↑ Harnden, 2000 , pp. 406-407.
Literature
- H. Books. Articles on Barrett Firearms Company, Including: Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Barrett Xm109, Barrett M82, Barrett M98, Ronnie Barrett, Barrett M95, Barrett Rec7, Barrett M99, .416 Barrett, Barrett M90, Barrett Xm500, Barrett M98b. - Charleston, South Carolina: BiblioBazaar, 2011.
- Toby Harnden. Bandit Country: The IRA and South Armagh. - Coronet Books, 2000. - ISBN 0-340-71737-8 .
- D. Michaelis. The complete .50-caliber sniper course hard-target interdiction. - Boulder, Colo .: Paladin Press, 2000.
- D. Long. Modern sniper rifles. - Boulder, Colo .: Paladin Press, 1988.