More on the .50 BMG—The Barrett Optical Ranging System (BORS)
By Ed Friedman 

Put a PC on Your Riflescope

   The Barrett Optical Ranging System (BORS) is a ballistic computer that mounts directly to the rifle telescope. The BORS is coupled to the scope’s elevation adjustment post. Its body serves as the rear, upper scope-ring cap.

   The BORS continuously measures air temperature, barometric pressure and bore-line angle. Given these inputs, it automatically calculates a ballistic solution for a specific user-selected cartridge. You simply adjust the BORS elevation knob to match the target’s known range with that displayed on the BORS. This eliminates the need for “counting clicks” as target ranges change, allowing you to focus on other environmental conditions and quickly engage multiple targets at varying ranges.

   The unit’s memory is sufficient to hold 100 cartridge tables, which can be found on the included Barrett Ballistic Software CD-ROM. Using the program is simple, and the BORS unit only needs to be connected when updating, similar to an iPod.

   Though the BORS makes hitting the 1,000-meter target as easy as hitting a milk jug at 50 feet, be sure to thoroughly read the manual. It is a powerful tool if used correctly, but will only frustrate those who aren’t properly prepared to utilize its multitude of functions.