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 suitability for various applications, offering a comprehensive assessment beyond typical surface-level analyses. We’ll examine its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if this powerful rifle is the right fit for your needs.
Performance on the Range and in the Field
The 450 Bushmaster cartridge is renowned for its hard-hitting power at shorter ranges, making the Ruger American a formidable platform for hunting medium-sized game. Its relatively flat trajectory minimizes bullet drop within its effective range, offering increased accuracy and improved shot placement. We found the rifle to be exceptionally accurate with factory ammunition, consistently delivering sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with proper sighting-in.
Accuracy and Recoil Management
The Ruger American's design contributes significantly to its accuracy. The cold hammer-forged barrel ensures exceptional consistency and longevity, while the adjustable trigger allows for personalized settings to optimize accuracy and trigger pull. The recoil, while substantial given the cartridge's power, is manageable thanks to the rifle's weight and stock design. Experienced shooters will find the recoil quite tolerable, while new shooters might benefit from using a recoil pad.
Reliability and Durability
Ruger has a reputation for building robust and reliable firearms, and the American 450 Bushmaster lives up to that expectation. During our testing, the rifle functioned flawlessly through hundreds of rounds, exhibiting no malfunctions or jams. The rugged construction, including the durable synthetic stock, ensures the rifle can withstand the rigors of hunting in various conditions.
Features and Ergonomics: A Detailed Examination
The Ruger American stands out not just for its performance but also for its thoughtful design features.
Stock and Handling
The synthetic stock is lightweight yet sturdy, providing a comfortable and secure grip. Its design incorporates a well-contoured pistol grip and a comfortable length of pull, making the rifle easy to handle and maneuver. The inclusion of sling swivel studs further enhances its versatility for field use.
Trigger Mechanism
The Ruger American’s adjustable trigger is a standout feature. This allows shooters to fine-tune the trigger pull weight to their preferences, improving both accuracy and shot consistency. A crisp and clean break is crucial for precision shooting, and the Ruger American delivers in this regard.
Barrel and Action
The cold hammer-forged barrel offers superior accuracy and durability compared to conventionally manufactured barrels. The bolt action is smooth and reliable, cycling smoothly and securely. The magazine release is easy to access and operate, making reloading quick and efficient.
Applications and Suitability
The Ruger American 450 Bushmaster is ideally suited for various applications:
Hunting
The 450 Bushmaster's power makes it an excellent choice for hunting medium-sized game such as deer, hogs, and black bears within its effective range. Its relatively flat trajectory allows for accurate shots at longer ranges compared to other calibers.
Home Defense
While not typically the first choice for home defense, the 450 Bushmaster's stopping power could be considered in certain situations. However, the significant recoil should be a major factor in this consideration. Many prefer lighter recoiling options for home defense.
Target Shooting
The accuracy and manageable recoil make the Ruger American a pleasant rifle for target shooting. Its adjustable trigger further enhances accuracy at the range.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Ruger American 450 Bushmaster offers many advantages, it's crucial to acknowledge some potential drawbacks:
Recoil
As mentioned earlier, the 450 Bushmaster’s recoil is noticeable. While manageable, it’s significant enough to warrant consideration, especially for novice shooters.
Ammunition Cost
450 Bushmaster ammunition can be slightly more expensive compared to some other calibers.
Limited Availability
Compared to more common calibers, the availability of 450 Bushmaster ammunition may be more limited in certain regions.
Conclusion: Is the Ruger American 450 Bushmaster Right for You?
The Ruger American 450 Bushmaster is a well-designed and reliable rifle that performs admirably in various applications. Its accuracy, durability, and manageable (though substantial) recoil make it a strong contender for hunters seeking a powerful and versatile platform. However, the significant recoil and potentially higher ammunition cost should be considered. Ultimately, the suitability of this rifle depends on individual needs and preferences. If you require a hard-hitting, accurate rifle for medium-game hunting or serious target practice, the Ruger American 450 Bushmaster is certainly worth considering.
