I'm looking into these and would like feedback about this system. What scopes, how to. , etc. thanks!
- Thread starter Mark williams
- Start date
Basically all it does is keep track of your elevation setting as far as I can tell without having to keep track or count your turret revolutions , if you range target simply dial in your dope and do same thing .....guess it's possibly faster and easier to do so with the BORS but at almost $1500 is it really better than the old fashioned way ...I thought about one too but think they are kinda out dated as far as technology goes ..
I have one on my Barrett M82A1 with a leupold mark4 and it works good as far as not having to count clicks it also shows if the rifle is canted and takes that into consideration but it doesn't do anything for wind so u still have to take wind readings and dial them in and it doesn't show any windage adjustment. If u hand load u can put all that data in to your computer and have it installed on to the system. I would say there more of a novelty item are they nice yeah but like Twisted .308 said u can accomplish the same thing with out it. I have never had any issues out of mine and it tracks very well but it is just a miniature computer on top of your scope so garbage in garbage out if the data you in put isn't correct.
If I was doing a lot of variable distance shooting , say coyote where you need to spin turret quickly to desired distance , I could see is as being an advantage. BTW they are only compatible with a few scopes on the higher end ....$1500 for BORS + $2k plus for compatible scope = $$$$$$$
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Yes I'm going to rethink this, I was thinking of putting one on my 12 year old sons AI AE in 260. He mainly hunts with it . I thought it might be good for him 4 to 500 yds. It has nxs 3.5x 15x56, non high speed and no zero stop. Think ill just upgrade the scope and let him learn the right way. Thank you guys for informing me of this.
Mark , if he is shooting out to only 500 why not zero at 200 and let him learn holdover dope at the range ? You could save a lot of money to be used on getting him more trigger time . Why not use the NF you already have ?
At 500 yards a 260 would only require 2.2ish mils of elevation. The BORS seems expensive to accomplish this task.
R
R
I've never operated one nor have I ever seen one in action but I'm willing to bet that I can dial in my dope faster than it can. A complete waste of $1500 if you ask me.
This is what I'll do, thanks twisted and everyone else. I'm new to this longrange stuff, not new to hunting, I got him that rifle this Xmas and thought it would make it easier . We just need a lot of range time together. I do know easier is not always better. I've got a lot to learn so I may help him. Thanks again!
There you go , spending quality time with your son and learning something new together......priceless !
I agree, we do get to spend a lot of time together in sports. He plays all three and I coach two of them. We just don't get to hunt or shoot as much as we need to learn a lot. We're learning, just not at the pace I would like. But I do enjoy the sports as well!
I have one and it is great, the only thing is you have to account for wind adjustments. So time's you can find them real cheap, I bought mine from someone who won the unit in a raffle and had no use for it. It is paired with my Mark4 8.5-25 X 50MM LR/T and it was bought used. What makes it so nice is you can install the unit on all of your rifles. You can create your own library of cartridges if you reload. The BORS all ready has a fully loaded library. All I can say if you want one get it, but you have to look at the BORS and the Scope together. You have a small selection of scopes you can use with the BORS.
DOWN AND DIRTY
The BORS continuously measures Air Temperature, Barometric Pressure and the Bore Line Angle
What is BORS?
BORS is an acronym for Barrett Optical Ranging System. BORS is a programmable, scope-mounted
ballistic computer. It tracks the movement of the elevation dial and converts that adjustment to a firing
solution, which is displayed on the LCD. Internal sensors automatically compensate for changes in
bullet trajectory from changes in certain environment conditions and bore angle.
Its housing serves as the rear scope ring cap. A customized elevation dial is coupled directly to the
scope’s elevation adjustment post. The BORS memory can hold 80 cartridge tables. Installation
requires about the same amount of time as it takes to mount a rifle telescope. Barrett Firearms
Manufacturing recommends that the user be familiar with the mounting of BORS to the scope.
What BORS Does Not Do
BORS is a programmable ballistic computer. While it provides a great deal of accuracy, there are some
things that it will not do:
• Provide accurate results with “best guess” or inaccurate data. Use actual measured values
whenever possible. Reconfirm your data from time to time as well, especially if changing ammo or
powder lots.
• Compensate for poor shooting habits.
• Adjust the elevation turret: The elevation dial is manually adjusted. BORS tracks adjustment made
to provide the displayed firing solution.
• Laser range a target: BORS includes a method to determine target range, but it is not a laser
rangefinder.
• Provide “perfect” results at all ranges: Terrain features are not always ideal, and wind is constantly
changing. At some ranges, there may be occurrences where the calculated table does not match
real world conditions.
• Improve the accuracy of an inaccurate firearm or scope: If the firearm or scope performs erratically,
BORS cannot correct the performance of that firearm or scope.
• Count the elevation adjustments when turned off: It is critical to have BORS turned on when making
elevation adjustments. This includes all bore sighting and zeroing adjustments made.
Also you will need a chronograph to use a BORS unit to get MV of you loads. You must carry at least 1 extra battery at all times, no power no BORS!!!!
Good Luck. Buy once, cry once.
DOWN AND DIRTY
The BORS continuously measures Air Temperature, Barometric Pressure and the Bore Line Angle
What is BORS?
BORS is an acronym for Barrett Optical Ranging System. BORS is a programmable, scope-mounted
ballistic computer. It tracks the movement of the elevation dial and converts that adjustment to a firing
solution, which is displayed on the LCD. Internal sensors automatically compensate for changes in
bullet trajectory from changes in certain environment conditions and bore angle.
Its housing serves as the rear scope ring cap. A customized elevation dial is coupled directly to the
scope’s elevation adjustment post. The BORS memory can hold 80 cartridge tables. Installation
requires about the same amount of time as it takes to mount a rifle telescope. Barrett Firearms
Manufacturing recommends that the user be familiar with the mounting of BORS to the scope.
What BORS Does Not Do
BORS is a programmable ballistic computer. While it provides a great deal of accuracy, there are some
things that it will not do:
• Provide accurate results with “best guess” or inaccurate data. Use actual measured values
whenever possible. Reconfirm your data from time to time as well, especially if changing ammo or
powder lots.
• Compensate for poor shooting habits.
• Adjust the elevation turret: The elevation dial is manually adjusted. BORS tracks adjustment made
to provide the displayed firing solution.
• Laser range a target: BORS includes a method to determine target range, but it is not a laser
rangefinder.
• Provide “perfect” results at all ranges: Terrain features are not always ideal, and wind is constantly
changing. At some ranges, there may be occurrences where the calculated table does not match
real world conditions.
• Improve the accuracy of an inaccurate firearm or scope: If the firearm or scope performs erratically,
BORS cannot correct the performance of that firearm or scope.
• Count the elevation adjustments when turned off: It is critical to have BORS turned on when making
elevation adjustments. This includes all bore sighting and zeroing adjustments made.
Also you will need a chronograph to use a BORS unit to get MV of you loads. You must carry at least 1 extra battery at all times, no power no BORS!!!!
Good Luck. Buy once, cry once.
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You also have to buy the rings too from Barrett right ? Reason I was looking at one is I sold rifle in my avitar but kept the scope a NXS 8x32 so BORS will work with it . I ordered a DTA in .308 but will be picking up the .338 Lapua conversion also , this is where I would have use for it ...over 1000 yds and using laser rangefinder ...just dial in my holdover and yes still gotta dope the wind !
I've had a BORS for a few years mounted on BORS Zero Gap rings on a Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50. I've been asked by many people over the years and at the range how I like it. I recently sent someone that asked about my BORS an email of my impressions along with considerations to take into account before dropping the coin on one. Below is the email that may provide some useful information. FYI: I sold off the scope system just a few months back to raise some cash for something else.
=========================
There is a lot to like about the BORS piece of equipment and overall I have been very satisfied with what it does. However, before I would give you my unqualified and whole hearted endorsement of the product to a specific shooter. I would need to get more information in terms of shooting experience in LR precision, the equipment you use and already own, and your expectations for how you intend to use the BORS. Since I don't have that information, I can give you a couple of scenarios where the BORS would either be an ideal piece of gear to own, or not the best purchase if you have $1300 to spend on one.
A few questions to think about to set the context for whether a BORS is a good piece of gear for you.
1. Do you already own one of the four rifle scopes the BORS is designed to work with?
2. Are you an experienced precision long range shooter? More specifically, are you comfortable with using a Kestrel to take environmental readings and entering the information into a ballistic application to determine your DOPE for your rifle in that situation?
3. What is your intended use of the rifle that the BORS and scope will be on? Will you be just shooting LRP for fun, will you be hunting, or shooting matches?
Let's take each of these questions on their own and I'll explain why these questions are relevant for consideration.
1. Do you already own one of the four rifle scopes the BORS is designed to work with?
• When Barrett introduced the BORS product line in 2009 it was designed to work specifically with a small handful of high-end rifle scopes. These scopes were among the best at the time. However, today (almost 5 years later) although these scopes are still available and good scopes there are other and perhaps better alternatives at the price point they compete in. Unfortunately, Barrett has not invested a lot of money in updating the product line to make it compatible with current popular high end scopes out there. If you decide to get the BORS, you are basically making a commitment to marry the BORS to the scope and given the overall cost of the investment, you'd likely keep that scope a long time. If you end up selling the scope down the road, you would end up selling the BORS unit at substantial discount.
• I suggest if you have the right scope that will work with the BORS, then this is would weigh favorably towards considering getting the BORS unit. Otherwise, I would recommend taking the additionally money that you could spend on the BORS and get a really nice piece of glass (Schmidt & Bender, USO, Premier, etc.)
2. Are you an experienced precision long range shooter? More specifically, are you comfortable at using a Kestrel to take environmental readings and entering the information into a ballistic application to determine your DOPE for your rifle in that situation?
• The main reason to even consider getting a BORS unit is to remove the complexity of coming up with an accurate ballistic solution in a dynamic environment (changing ammo type, changing distance to target, changing environmental conditions, changing shooting locations, etc.) All the shooter needs to do is make sure the BORS unit is programmed for the ammo load (Caliber, BC and muzzle velocity) and dial in distance to target. That's it. As long as it is set up properly it's dummy proof. Barrett originally developed the BORS for the military/LEO market where they could basically hand a long range weapons system to an operator, preprogrammed for standard issue ammo - and the person can be on target immediately just by dialing in the distance to target. The user doesn't need to know anything about ballistics tables or DOPE for the rifle. This has advantages, particularly if the shooter is new to long range, or if you want to introduce someone to long range precision shooting - using the BORS helps to lower the barriers to getting into the game.
• If the shooter has a lot of experience shooting long range precision and understands external ballistics, how to use a ballistic app properly, and how to dial the solution on his/her scope, there really is no need to use a BORS.
3. What is your intended use of the rifle that the BORS and scope will be on? Will you be just shooting LRP for fun, will you be hunting, or shooting matches?
• The BORS unit is designed and built for military field use and is therefore rugged and adds weight. The additional weight/size needs to be taken into consideration for how it might be used. If it is to be used primarily for long range precision practice or for fun, it would be ideal particularly for applications where you are sharing your rifle with someone that may not know the DOPE for your rifle or understand ballistics.
• Hunting -- extra weight to carry around...
• For matches, I would discourage its use. In practical long range matches, speed really counts. I've found that it slower to dial and watch the screen yardage change to get on target versus, knowing for example that for target "A" I need to hold 1.5 mils or simply just dial 1.5 mils on my turret. The BORS unit is much slower and clumsy to work with in a match type situation.
I've enjoyed using my BORS and like I said, for what it does - it does well. But I still own several other high end scope gear (Schmidt & Bender PMII with H58, Premier, Bushnell HDMR with H59, Bushnell XRS). I'm not familiar with your situation, but if you are considering dropping serious coin on your first high-end rifle scope step up and over the BORS and go with one of today's hign end rifle scopes and and dive into getting up to speed with a ballistic app and a Kestrel.
Hope this helps.
=========================
There is a lot to like about the BORS piece of equipment and overall I have been very satisfied with what it does. However, before I would give you my unqualified and whole hearted endorsement of the product to a specific shooter. I would need to get more information in terms of shooting experience in LR precision, the equipment you use and already own, and your expectations for how you intend to use the BORS. Since I don't have that information, I can give you a couple of scenarios where the BORS would either be an ideal piece of gear to own, or not the best purchase if you have $1300 to spend on one.
A few questions to think about to set the context for whether a BORS is a good piece of gear for you.
1. Do you already own one of the four rifle scopes the BORS is designed to work with?
2. Are you an experienced precision long range shooter? More specifically, are you comfortable with using a Kestrel to take environmental readings and entering the information into a ballistic application to determine your DOPE for your rifle in that situation?
3. What is your intended use of the rifle that the BORS and scope will be on? Will you be just shooting LRP for fun, will you be hunting, or shooting matches?
Let's take each of these questions on their own and I'll explain why these questions are relevant for consideration.
1. Do you already own one of the four rifle scopes the BORS is designed to work with?
• When Barrett introduced the BORS product line in 2009 it was designed to work specifically with a small handful of high-end rifle scopes. These scopes were among the best at the time. However, today (almost 5 years later) although these scopes are still available and good scopes there are other and perhaps better alternatives at the price point they compete in. Unfortunately, Barrett has not invested a lot of money in updating the product line to make it compatible with current popular high end scopes out there. If you decide to get the BORS, you are basically making a commitment to marry the BORS to the scope and given the overall cost of the investment, you'd likely keep that scope a long time. If you end up selling the scope down the road, you would end up selling the BORS unit at substantial discount.
• I suggest if you have the right scope that will work with the BORS, then this is would weigh favorably towards considering getting the BORS unit. Otherwise, I would recommend taking the additionally money that you could spend on the BORS and get a really nice piece of glass (Schmidt & Bender, USO, Premier, etc.)
2. Are you an experienced precision long range shooter? More specifically, are you comfortable at using a Kestrel to take environmental readings and entering the information into a ballistic application to determine your DOPE for your rifle in that situation?
• The main reason to even consider getting a BORS unit is to remove the complexity of coming up with an accurate ballistic solution in a dynamic environment (changing ammo type, changing distance to target, changing environmental conditions, changing shooting locations, etc.) All the shooter needs to do is make sure the BORS unit is programmed for the ammo load (Caliber, BC and muzzle velocity) and dial in distance to target. That's it. As long as it is set up properly it's dummy proof. Barrett originally developed the BORS for the military/LEO market where they could basically hand a long range weapons system to an operator, preprogrammed for standard issue ammo - and the person can be on target immediately just by dialing in the distance to target. The user doesn't need to know anything about ballistics tables or DOPE for the rifle. This has advantages, particularly if the shooter is new to long range, or if you want to introduce someone to long range precision shooting - using the BORS helps to lower the barriers to getting into the game.
• If the shooter has a lot of experience shooting long range precision and understands external ballistics, how to use a ballistic app properly, and how to dial the solution on his/her scope, there really is no need to use a BORS.
3. What is your intended use of the rifle that the BORS and scope will be on? Will you be just shooting LRP for fun, will you be hunting, or shooting matches?
• The BORS unit is designed and built for military field use and is therefore rugged and adds weight. The additional weight/size needs to be taken into consideration for how it might be used. If it is to be used primarily for long range precision practice or for fun, it would be ideal particularly for applications where you are sharing your rifle with someone that may not know the DOPE for your rifle or understand ballistics.
• Hunting -- extra weight to carry around...
• For matches, I would discourage its use. In practical long range matches, speed really counts. I've found that it slower to dial and watch the screen yardage change to get on target versus, knowing for example that for target "A" I need to hold 1.5 mils or simply just dial 1.5 mils on my turret. The BORS unit is much slower and clumsy to work with in a match type situation.
I've enjoyed using my BORS and like I said, for what it does - it does well. But I still own several other high end scope gear (Schmidt & Bender PMII with H58, Premier, Bushnell HDMR with H59, Bushnell XRS). I'm not familiar with your situation, but if you are considering dropping serious coin on your first high-end rifle scope step up and over the BORS and go with one of today's hign end rifle scopes and and dive into getting up to speed with a ballistic app and a Kestrel.
Hope this helps.
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Flashfire, that's very good info, thank you for your time and help posting this! Mark
Ultra high rings are included with all BORS systems.
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My brother has one and loves it for hunting. Take a reading point the rifle at the target and crank the knob until the range comes up. The system handles the angles for you. The new update will do a wind calculation.
My brother has all his loads in it and swaps the scope from rifle to rifle. It is kind of cool to have a few loads for a rifle and you can just select that load you want and are good to go.
My brother has all his loads in it and swaps the scope from rifle to rifle. It is kind of cool to have a few loads for a rifle and you can just select that load you want and are good to go.
So the NEW BORS will make wind call adj. also now ?
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