Description
Picture this: you’re in a Missouri river bottom, the light is fading, and you need a single, decisive shot on a big-bodied target at 150 yards. You need a rifle that’s fast, powerful, and utterly reliable. That’s the Ruger Gunsite Scout, .450 Bushmaster, 16.1″, Walnut Stock, Black. It’s a compact, hard-hitting bolt-action rifle built for practical, close-to-mid-range engagements where terminal performance is non-negotiable. This configuration blends classic walnut aesthetics with modern, short-action .450 Bushmaster power in a handy 16.1-inch barrel package. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a benchrest queen. It’s a tool for a specific set of problems. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge delivers over 2,600 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, making it a formidable choice for hunting thick-skinned game like whitetail or hog in dense cover, or as a serious defensive option against large predators. The 16.1-inch barrel keeps the overall length manageable for quick handling in a blind, a vehicle, or thick timber. At just over 7 pounds unloaded, it’s a rifle you can carry all day and bring to your shoulder in an instant. The classic American walnut stock provides a solid, traditional cheek weld and a pointable feel that synthetic stocks often lack.
Key features start with the controlled-round feed Mauser-style action. It’s a proven, rugged system that feeds and extracts with absolute certainty. The forward-mounted Picatinny rail allows for low-profile, long-eye-relief scout scopes, keeping your field of view wide open for fast target acquisition. Want a conventional optic? No gunsmithing required—the receiver is also drilled and tapped for standard scope rings. The adjustable ghost ring rear sight and protected post front sight give you instant backup aiming solutions. The 3-round detachable box magazine is a practical touch for quick reloads, and the rifle is compatible with aftermarket magazines from brands like Magpul. The threaded barrel (5/8-24) is ready for a muzzle brake or suppressor to tame the substantial recoil of the .450 Bushmaster round.
| Caliber | .450 Bushmaster |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 16.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 36.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Magazine Capacity | 3+1 Rounds |
Let’s break down the pros and cons. The pros are significant: massive stopping power in a compact, fast-handling platform; exceptional build quality and reliability from Ruger; versatile sighting systems for any scenario; and that classic walnut look that just works. The cons are the inherent trade-offs of the chambering: ammunition is more expensive and less common than .308 Winchester, recoil is stout, and effective range is limited to about 250 yards. That said, within its intended envelope, few production rifles are as purpose-built and effective.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the Missouri hunter who stalks river bottoms and cedar thickets where shots are close and brush is heavy. It’s for the landowner who needs a dependable tool for predator control. It’s for the shooter who appreciates the practical “scout rifle” concept but demands more authority than .308 can provide. If your needs involve decisive power at short to medium distances, this rifle is a focused solution. Priced at $1066.04, it represents a serious investment in a specialized tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .450 Bushmaster a good deer cartridge for Missouri?
A: Absolutely. The .450 Bushmaster exceeds Missouri’s straight-walled cartridge requirements and delivers tremendous energy for ethical, one-shot harvests, especially in the dense cover found across much of the state.
Q: Can I use a standard rifle scope on this Gunsite Scout?
A: Yes. While the forward rail is designed for scout scopes, the receiver is drilled and tapped. You can use conventional Ruger scope rings—like those from Warne or Burris—for a standard scope setup with no modification needed.
Q: How does the .450 Bushmaster compare to a 12-gauge slug?
A: Ballistically, the .450 Bushmaster offers similar or greater energy with a flatter trajectory out to 150-200 yards, giving you more precision and reach than a typical rifled slug while still being legal in states with straight-walled cartridge regulations.
If a powerful, compact, and instantly ready rifle fits your needs, the Ruger Gunsite Scout in .450 Bushmaster is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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