Barrett M90

The Barrett M90 is a bolt-action rifle in a bullpup configuration, firing the .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO) cartridge. Barrett Firearms Company built it between 1990 and 1995 as a manually operated counterpart to their semi-automatic M82. The rifle uses a fluted barrel fitted with an integrated muzzle brake, a receiver split into upper and lower halves, a folding bipod, and a detachable box magazine that holds five rounds. Instead of iron sights, it has a Picatinny rail for attaching a scope.

Barrett designed the M90 to appeal to civilian shooters looking for a bolt-action .50 caliber rifle. Its bullpup layout makes it more compact than the larger M82A1, and it is noticeably lighter. The barrel length matches that of the M82A1, but the bolt-action mechanism uses three large locking lugs that engage the barrel for strength. A two-chamber muzzle brake redirects propellant gases to cut recoil and muzzle rise, which aids accuracy in both competition and field use. The rifle is built from stamped sheet steel, reducing weight and simplifying assembly; the upper and lower sections are joined by strong push pins. The magazine sits inside the stock, with the pistol grip and trigger positioned just ahead of it, while the butt is placed directly against the receiver for stability. A folding bipod further steadies the weapon and helps absorb recoil. The standard scope was a 10x Leupold M series sight.

The M90 is not intended to be fired from the shoulder. To use it, the operator folds down the bipod, inspects the rifle for debris, loads the five-round magazine, and rests the weapon on the bipod while gripping the handle firmly to prevent it from sliding back. The muzzle brake and bipod manage recoil well enough that the rifle does not need to be pressed against the shoulder.

Production of the M90 ended in 1995, replaced by the improved M95. The M95 moved the pistol grip and trigger forward for better magazine clearance, added a chrome-plated barrel chamber, and made minor changes to the firing pin and bolt handle. Despite this, the M90 remains popular for its light weight and bullpup design. It was sold at a slow pace, sometimes in bulk, and is now available through firearm collectors and online sales. The Provisional Irish Republican Army was one known user.