Bushmaster Hunter 450 Bushmaster 16″ Rifle

Description

You’re looking for a hard-hitting, straight-shooting rifle for Missouri’s dense timber or for putting meat in the freezer at a price that doesn’t break the bank. You’ve heard about the .450 Bushmaster’s power but don’t want a custom-built, wallet-draining project. Look, the solution is simpler than you think. The Bushmaster Hunter 450 Bushmaster 16″ Barrel, 6-Position Black, 5rd is a complete, factory-built AR-platform rifle chambered in the potent .450 Bushmaster cartridge. It’s designed as a practical, no-fuss hunting rig that delivers big-bore performance in a familiar, reliable package, priced at $1225.66.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t a parts bin special. Bushmaster delivers a ready-to-hunt rifle that fits out of the box. The heart of the system is its 16-inch, button-rifled barrel with a 1:24 twist rate, optimized to stabilize the heavy .452″ diameter projectiles that give this round its devastating terminal effect. That shorter barrel length keeps the overall rifle handy in thick cover, a common scenario for Missouri whitetail hunters, without sacrificing too much velocity. The rifle ships with a single 5-round magazine, which is typically all you need and keeps it compliant for hunting in many states.

The platform is built on Bushmaster’s proven AR-15 pattern, meaning maintenance and operation are second-nature to millions of shooters. The 6-position collapsible stock lets you adjust length of pull for different clothing layers or shooter sizes, a simple but crucial feature for comfort and accuracy. The upper and lower receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, and the fire control group is a standard single-stage mil-spec trigger. This commonality is a huge value point: many standard AR-15 accessories and parts are compatible, allowing for affordable customization down the line if you choose. Think standard pistol grips and aftermarket stocks.

Specifications

Caliber	.450 Bushmaster
Barrel Length	16 Inches
Twist Rate	1:24″
Magazine Capacity	5 Rounds
Stock	6-Position Collapsible
Overall Length (Extended)	Approx. 34.5-37.5″

Let’s talk trade-offs. The pros are clear: you get a turn-key, big-bore hunting rifle with the ergonomics and familiarity of an AR. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge is a legitimate 250-yard deer and hog hammer, outperforming traditional brush guns in both range and power. The cons are part of the budget-conscious equation. Ammo is more expensive and less common than .223 or .300 Blackout, so factor in practice costs. Recoil is more pronounced than a standard AR, though the rifle’s weight and design manage it well. It’s a specialized tool—incredibly effective for its purpose, but not a cheap plinker.

So who is this rifle for? It’s for the Missouri hunter who wants modern rifle performance without custom gunsmithing fees. It’s for the landowner dealing with tough hogs. It’s for the shooter who already has a .223 AR and wants a powerful, complementary upper but finds more value in a complete, warranty-backed rifle. This package is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states. You could spend more building a similar rifle piece-by-piece, or you could spend less on a traditional bolt-action in a different caliber—but for a specific blend of power, platform, and price, this Bushmaster Hunter sits in a smart spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this .450 Bushmaster upper fit on my existing AR-15 lower?

A: In most cases, yes. The Bushmaster Hunter is built on a standard AR-15 platform. Your mil-spec lower should accept it, but you must use .450 Bushmaster-specific magazines for reliable feeding. Always confirm headspace and function when mixing uppers and lowers from different manufacturers.

Q: Is the .450 Bushmaster legal for deer hunting in Missouri?

A: Yes. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge meets and exceeds the minimum caliber and energy requirements for deer and furbearer hunting in Missouri. Always check the most current Missouri Department of Conservation regulations for any season-specific rules.

Q: What kind of optic should I put on this rifle?

A: A low-power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-6x or 1-8x range is an excellent, versatile choice for the typical 50-200 yard shots this cartridge is capable of. A quality red dot sight is also a great option for fast, close-range work in heavy cover.

If you need a powerful, practical hunting rifle that’s ready to go, the Bushmaster Hunter in .450 Bushmaster warrants a close look.