The weapon featured a fluted barrel with integrated muzzle brake, 2 part receiver (upper and lower), folding bipod, and a 5-round detachable box magazine.
The Barrett M90 has a bullpup design, making the rifle a more compact version of a BMG .50 caliber.
[1] The gun was originally used for civilian long-range division shooters incorporating them into competition style shooting.
Due to it being a bolt-action rifle other than its semi-automatic counterpart, it uses three large lugs that are locked into the barrel to improve its overall sturdiness to handle a BMG .50 caliber round.
The Barrett M90 uses a muzzle brake to redirect propellant gases to reduce recoil and rising of the gun during rapid firing.
[3] The Barrett M90 is composed of stamped sheet steel to add to its durability and reduced weight.
This reduces the number of parts going into the gun, making assembly and disassembly simpler.
The upper part is the top assembly of the weapon such as barrel and rail, and the lower is the handle and trigger mechanism.
The upper and lower parts of the Barrett M90 are held together by very strong push pins.
The Barrett M95 has better magazine clearance because the pistol grip and trigger have been moved forward on the gun.
Also, there were minor changes to the firing pin, bolt handle, and the barrel chamber is plated in chrome.