Description
It’s a purpose-built, hard-hitting brush gun for big game. The Ruger Scout Rifle 450 BUSHMASTER 16.1″ Barrel, Hybrid Muzzle Brake, Matte SSl Finish, Adjustable Rear Sigh is a compact, powerful bolt-action rifle designed for fast handling in dense cover, delivering heavy .450 Bushmaster energy in a lightweight, scout-configuration package. I’ve put a few boxes of the stout stuff through it, and it’s a thumper that makes sense for specific, close-range work.
Key Features
- Powerful .450 Bushmaster Chambering: Delivers massive stopping power for large game like whitetail, hog, and bear at short to medium ranges.
- Compact 16.1″ Barrel with Hybrid Muzzle Brake: Keeps the rifle maneuverable in thick brush and helps manage the significant recoil of the big bore cartridge.
- Scout Rifle Configuration: Features a forward-mounted Picatinny rail for long-eye-relief optics, promoting fast target acquisition.
- Integrated Adjustable Iron Sights: Provides a reliable backup sighting system right out of the box—no gunsmithing required to get on paper.
- Matte Stainless Finish: Offers enhanced corrosion resistance, which is a practical touch for all-weather hunting in the Midwest.
Specs & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .450 Bushmaster |
| Barrel Length | 16.1 inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 37.5 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
| Magazine | Detachable box, 3-round capacity |
| Finish | Matte Stainless Steel |
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a do-everything rifle. It’s a specialist. The forward rail is perfect for a scout scope like those from Burris or Vortex, keeping your field of view completely open. The action is smooth, typical of Ruger’s American Rifle series, and the 3-round magazine is flush-fitting. At a price of $1034.93, you’re getting a robust, no-nonsense tool built for a specific job. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your next hunt in the Ozark thickets.
Who It’s For
This rifle is for the hunter who stalks dense timber, river bottoms, or agricultural fields where shots are measured in tens of yards, not hundreds. It’s ideal for Missouri whitetail hunters in heavy cover, hog hunters needing decisive stopping power, or anyone in a state with straight-wall cartridge regulations for deer. If you want a lightweight, quick-pointing rifle that hits with authority inside 150 yards, this is your candidate.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Immense close-range power in a handy, lightweight platform. The hybrid muzzle brake is effective—it tames a punishing cartridge down to a stout but manageable push. The iron sights are a huge plus for a factory rifle. The matte stainless finish is practical and durable for real-world use.
Cons: Ammunition is more expensive and less common than .308 Winchester. Ballistics are rainbow-like; it’s not a long-range cartridge. Recoil, even with the brake, is substantial. The forward optic mounting is an acquired taste for some traditionalists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .450 Bushmaster a good deer cartridge for Missouri?
A: Absolutely. It’s a legal straight-wall cartridge in many regulated zones and delivers more than enough energy for ethical whitetail harvests at typical Missouri hunting distances. The 16.1″ barrel makes it legal and highly maneuverable.
Q: Can I use a standard scope instead of a scout scope?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. The forward rail is designed for long-eye-relief optics. A traditional scope mounted that far forward will be unusable. You could mount a red dot on the rail or explore aftermarket solutions to mount a scope over the receiver, but that defeats the scout concept.
Q: What’s the real-world effective range?
A: With proper shot placement, 150 yards is a very practical maximum for deer-sized game. The heavy bullet drops fast, so knowing your holdovers is crucial. Most hunters will use it effectively inside 100 yards, where its power is devastating. This rifle weighs in at a handy 7.3 pounds, making it easy to carry all day while still being controllable.
If you need a powerful, compact rifle for thick cover and short-range work, the Ruger Scout in .450 Bushmaster is a seriously capable option. Check availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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