Description
I was in a tree stand last fall, the wind shifting just enough to make me question every twig snap. That’s when you want a rifle that’s a known quantity—a single, deliberate shot you can bet the season on. The Ruger No.1 has always been that for me, a classic American falling-block design, and this .450 Bushmaster iteration is a purpose-built hammer for the thick stuff. Here’s my take after putting a few boxes of Hornady Black through it.
The Ruger No.1 Standard Rifle in .450 Bushmaster, 20″ Barrel, Stainless, Black Laminate Stock is a modern, hard-hitting big-bore cartridge housed in a timeless, robust single-shot action. It’s designed for hunters who value precision, simplicity, and massive stopping power at short to medium ranges, particularly in dense brush or for regulated straight-wall cartridge states.
Let’s start with the action. The Ruger No.1’s falling-block mechanism is a piece of mechanical art. It’s solid, simple, and locks up like a bank vault. Chambering a round is a satisfying, deliberate act. This particular model, with its 20-inch barrel, keeps the overall package handy and quick to shoulder in a blind or when navigating timber. The stainless steel construction isn’t just for looks—it shrugs off moisture and foul weather, a real asset for all-day sits in Missouri’s unpredictable November. The black laminate stock is the perfect partner to that stainless finish. Laminate is incredibly stable; it won’t swell or warp with humidity changes, and it provides a rigid, consistent bedding platform for the action. This one fits out of the box with a classic straight-grip design and a decent recoil pad that makes managing the .450’s substantial push more than manageable.
The .450 Bushmaster cartridge is the star here. Born from the AR-platform world, it’s found a perfect home in this traditional rifle. We’re talking about launching a 250-grain projectile at around 2200 feet per second. That’s a lot of energy delivered in a hurry, making it an absolute authority on whitetail, black bear, and even wild hog. It’s a fantastic choice for hunters in states, including parts of the Midwest, that have regulations permitting straight-wall cartridges for deer. The rifle’s single-shot nature pairs perfectly with the cartridge’s intent: one well-placed shot is all you should need. The barrel is capped with a 5/8″-24 thread, ready for a muzzle brake or suppressor if you want to tame the blast and recoil further. At a total length of 37.5 inches and a weight right around 8 pounds, it’s a balanced, portable powerhouse.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .450 Bushmaster |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 37.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 8 lbs |
| Action Type | Single-Shot Falling Block |
| Finish | Stainless Steel, Black Laminate Stock |
Pros: The build quality is top-shelf Ruger—durable and reliable. The stainless/laminate combo is virtually weatherproof. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge delivers devastating terminal performance. The single-shot design encourages marksmanship and is inherently safe. The threaded barrel is a welcome modern touch.
Cons: It’s a single-shot, so follow-up shots require a reload. The $1407.08 price point positions it as a premium firearm. The .450 Bushmaster ammo, while more common now, is still more expensive than .30-30 or .450 Marlin. Recoil is stout, though the rifle’s weight and pad help.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the hunter who appreciates classic rifle craftsmanship but needs or wants the modern ballistic solution of the .450 Bushmaster. It’s for the hunter in straight-wall territory who wants more thump than a .350 Legend. It’s for the shooter who finds satisfaction in a perfectly executed single opportunity. If you’re the type to get a kick out of the mechanical purity of a falling block and the practical thump of a big bore, this is your rifle. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use standard .45-70 ammunition in this .450 Bushmaster rifle?
A: Absolutely not. The .450 Bushmaster is a completely different, high-pressure cartridge. Only use ammunition specifically marked .450 Bushmaster. Always confirm your chambering before firing.
Q: Is the scope base included?
A: Yes. The Ruger No.1 comes from the factory with a Ruger scope ring base system integrated into the receiver. You will need to purchase Ruger No.1 specific rings, which are available in multiple heights from brands like Warne or Ruger itself, to mount your optic.
Q: How does the recoil compare to a 12-gauge slug gun?
A: That’s a good benchmark. With typical hunting loads, the felt recoil is in the same ballpark as a 12-gauge slug—a heavy, solid push. The rifle’s weight and the included recoil pad make it very manageable, but it’s not a plinking rifle. Good shooting form is recommended.
Look, if the idea of a modern big-bore in a heirloom-quality single-shot speaks to you, this Ruger No.1 is a compelling option. See the full details on our site.
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