The Ruger American in 450 Bushmaster has quickly gained popularity among hunters and shooters alike. This review delves deep into its performance, features, and overall value, helping you determine if it's the right rifle for you. We'll cover everything from its accuracy and recoil to its ergonomics and versatility.
Performance: Power and Precision in the Field
The 450 Bushmaster cartridge is renowned for its hard-hitting power at shorter ranges, making it ideal for deer hunting and hog control. The Ruger American platform effectively harnesses this power. Its robust action and free-floating barrel contribute to impressive accuracy, consistently delivering sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with quality ammunition. Many users report even better accuracy with hand-loaded rounds tailored to their specific rifle.
Recoil Management: A Manageable Beast
While the 450 Bushmaster packs a punch, the Ruger American mitigates recoil surprisingly well. The rifle's design, coupled with features like its adjustable length of pull and recoil pad, contributes to a comfortable shooting experience, even during extended shooting sessions. However, it's still a powerful cartridge, and responsible shooting practices—including a firm grip and proper stance—are always recommended.
Range and Ballistics: Effective Short-to-Medium Range
The 450 Bushmaster's effective range is generally considered to be under 300 yards. Beyond that, bullet drop and wind drift become increasingly significant factors. However, for its intended use cases—hunting medium-sized game at closer ranges—its ballistic performance is exceptional. The heavy bullets offer impressive penetration and energy transfer, leading to clean, ethical harvests.
Features and Design: A Blend of Simplicity and Functionality
The Ruger American's design philosophy centers around practical functionality without unnecessary frills. This translates to a rifle that is both effective and easy to use.
Stock and Ergonomics: Comfortable and Customizable
The Ruger American's stock is made from a durable synthetic material that’s resistant to the elements. The adjustable length of pull allows for a customized fit, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience for users of various sizes. The pistol grip is well-contoured, offering secure handling.
Trigger: Crisp and Clean Break
One area where the Ruger American often receives praise is its trigger. It's known for its crisp, clean break, which is crucial for accurate shot placement. While not a match-grade trigger, it's a significant upgrade over many comparable rifles in its price range.
Sights and Optics: Versatile Mounting Options
The Ruger American typically comes equipped with iron sights, providing a simple sighting solution for close-range shooting. However, it also features Picatinny rails for easy mounting of scopes or other optic accessories. This versatility allows for customization to match the shooter's preferences and hunting conditions.
Value and Overall Impression: A Solid Performer at a Competitive Price
The Ruger American 450 Bushmaster provides exceptional value for its price point. It delivers impressive performance in a reliable and well-designed package. While it might not boast all the bells and whistles of some high-end rifles, it excels in its intended purpose: providing a powerful and accurate platform for hunting and shooting at close to medium ranges.
Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Ruger American 450 Bushmaster?
This rifle is a strong contender for hunters seeking a powerful and accurate short-to-medium range hunting rifle, particularly those hunting deer, hogs, or other medium-sized game. Its manageable recoil, reliable action, and competitive price make it a compelling option for both experienced shooters and newcomers alike. However, those needing a long-range hunting rifle might want to consider a different cartridge and platform. Overall, the Ruger American 450 Bushmaster offers a solid blend of power, accuracy, and value, making it a highly competitive choice in its class.
