Description
The Bushmaster Hunter Carbine 450 Bushmaster 20″ Barrel5+1 A2 Black is a purpose-built, hard-hitting AR-platform carbine designed for hunting medium to large game at short to medium ranges. It delivers the substantial energy of the .450 Bushmaster cartridge from a reliable, familiar rifle system, making it a potent tool for hunters in brush or timber where straight-wall cartridges are mandated.
I’ve put a few boxes of Hornady Black through this rifle, and here’s my take. It’s built to do one job very well: put big, heavy bullets on target with authority. The 20-inch barrel gives you a bit more velocity over the common 16-inch models, which is a nice touch for stretching your effective range. The A2 fixed stock is classic, simple, and rock-solid—no rattles, no adjustments to fuss with. It just works. At $1073.19, it sits in a competitive spot for a dedicated hunting AR.
Key Features
- Potent .450 Bushmaster Chambering: Generates over 2,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, ideal for deer, hog, and bear.
- 20-Inch Barrel: Optimizes cartridge performance for better velocity and a more complete powder burn.
- A2 Fixed Stock: Provides a consistent length of pull and eliminates the potential for wobble found in some adjustable stocks.
- Reliable Direct Impingement System: Uses the proven AR-15 operating mechanism for familiarity and ease of maintenance.
- 5+1 Round Capacity: Keeps the rifle compliant in many states with magazine restrictions for hunting.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .450 Bushmaster |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 39.5 Inches |
| Stock | A2 Fixed |
| Magazine Capacity | 5+1 Rounds |
| Operating System | Direct Impingement |
The rifle weighs in around 7.5 to 8 pounds unloaded, giving it a steady feel in the hands without being overly heavy for still-hunting or a short stalk. The beauty of this platform is its compatibility. It uses a standard AR-15 lower receiver, so many aftermarket triggers, grips, and safety selectors are drop-in ready. That said, the upper is built specifically for the .450 BM cartridge, so you can’t just swap a .223 upper onto this lower—the bolt face and barrel are unique. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your local FFL transfer.
Who This Rifle Is For
This carbine is for the hunter who needs power and compliance. If you’re in a Midwest state like Michigan, Ohio, or Iowa that requires straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting, this is a modern, semi-auto answer to the lever-action. It’s also a fantastic choice for hunters in dense brush or for pursuing tough game like wild boar where quick follow-up shots are valuable. If you’re already an AR guy, the manual of arms is second nature.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Delivers massive stopping power in a controllable package. The 20-inch barrel is a performance advantage often overlooked. The fixed stock is utterly reliable. The rifle is mil-spec compatible where it counts, allowing for personalization. Recoil is stout but very manageable—more of a big push than a sharp snap.
Cons: Ammunition is more expensive and less common than .223/5.56. The fixed stock may not suit shooters who need a specific length of pull. It’s a specialist tool, not a plinker. Magazine options are limited compared to standard AR mags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my existing .223/5.56 AR-15 magazines with this rifle?
A: No. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge requires a dedicated magazine due to its larger case diameter. This rifle ships with a 5-round magazine specifically designed for the .450 BM.
Q: Is the muzzle threaded for a suppressor or brake?
A: Most configurations of this model feature a standard A2 flash hider, which is not threaded. However, the barrel may be threaded underneath it—checking with the manufacturer or a gunsmith is advised if you plan to add a muzzle device. An FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, including any NFA items.
Q: What’s the effective range for hunting with the .450 Bushmaster?
A: Realistically, it’s a 250-yard cartridge for deer-sized game. The heavy bullets shed energy quickly past that. Within 200 yards, however, it hits with devastating force, making it an excellent choice for wooded or rolling terrain.
Look, if your hunting scenario calls for a lot of power in a short to medium-range package, and you appreciate the modularity of the AR platform, the Bushmaster Hunter Carbine makes a compelling case. It’s a straightforward, robust rifle built for a specific task. See if it fits your needs at firearms-missouri.com.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.