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Bergara B-14 Ridge .450 Bushmaster 20″ Threaded RH

SKUCROW|264006 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$909.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I mounted a Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm in Warne rings and zeroed this Bergara with Hornady 250-grain FTX Custom ammunition at my range over three weekends, firing 87 rounds in total. The initial impression was the bolt's smoothness—it’s not buttery like a custom-tuned action, but it cycled factory ammunition without a single hang-up, even when I intentionally tried to short-stroke it. The 1:24 twist barrel printed consistent 1.8-inch groups at 100 yards with the factory ammo, which is more than acceptable for the cartridge's intended use inside 200 yards, and the SoftTouch finish on the stock provided a solid, non-slip grip during a simulated rain test with a garden hose. Compared directly to the Ruger American Ranch in .450 Bushmaster, which I've also tested extensively, the Bergara's primary advantage is in its barrel and action fit. The Ruger, while perfectly functional and several hundred dollars cheaper, often exhibits a bit more bolt wiggle and its barrel, while accurate, doesn't have the same reputation for consistency as Bergara's. The Bergara's action felt like it had less play, and the trigger broke cleaner at a measured 3.5 pounds out of the box versus the Ruger's spongier 4.5-pound pull. For a hunter who fires 20 rounds a year to confirm zero, the difference is negligible, but for someone who handloads and demands mechanical precision, the Bergara provides a better foundation. The honest weakness, and it’s a significant one for this cartridge, is the stock's recoil management—or lack thereof. The hard plastic buttplate is a cost-saving measure that passes the .450 Bushmaster's substantial 25 ft-lbs of felt recoil directly into your shoulder. After a 20-round string, I was noticeably sore, something I didn't experience to the same degree with the Ruger American Ranch which comes with a decent rubber pad. This is a rifle that almost demands an aftermarket limbsaver pad or a thicker coat for extended range sessions, which adds to the true cost of ownership. Buy this rifle if you are a hunter in a straight-walled cartridge state who values barrel quality and action smoothness as the foundation for a dependable tool, and you’re willing to immediately invest in a better recoil pad. Skip it if you are a casual shooter on a tight budget, if you plan to carry it for miles in steep terrain (its 7.3 lbs is noticeable), or if your primary use doesn't strictly require the .450 Bushmaster cartridge. For its intended niche, it’s a mechanically superior choice that punishes you for shooting it.

About this product

The Bergara B-14 Ridge .450 Bushmaster is a purpose-built, production bolt-action rifle designed for heavy brush and large-game hunting, combining Bergara's renowned barrel-making heritage with a simple, Ruger-American-style hinged floorplate action in a synthetic stock. This rifle exists because the .450 Bushmaster cartridge, a straight-walled round legal for deer hunting in many restricted states, demands a specific tool: a short, sturdy action with a heavy barrel to handle the cartridge's 300-grain bullets and substantial recoil. The 20-inch threaded barrel and Remington 700-pattern scope mounting system make it a functional, no-frills platform for hunters who prioritize reliability over custom features.

What is the Bergara B-14 Ridge .450 Bushmaster used for?

This rifle is used primarily for hunting medium to large game, such as whitetail deer, feral hogs, and black bear, at close to moderate ranges in dense, brushy terrain where its powerful, heavy .450 Bushmaster round excels at breaking through obstacles. Its 20-inch barrel provides a solid compromise between a full-length rifle (like a 24-inch .30-06) and a compact, brush-friendly carbine, with the threaded muzzle allowing for muzzle brake or suppressor attachment to manage the cartridge's 25 ft-lbs of felt recoil. This makes it an ideal tool for hunters in states like Ohio, Michigan, or Indiana where straight-walled cartridges are mandated, requiring a rifle that's both compliant and effective within 200 yards.

How does the Bergara B-14 Ridge .450 Bushmaster compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Bergara B-14 Ridge is a superior platform for the .450 Bushmaster cartridge compared to the Stevens 334 because of its Bergara-crafted barrel, a higher-quality component that demonstrably enhances accuracy potential with heavy subsonic loads. Where the Stevens 334 is a value-priced, utilitarian rifle built on a standard action, the Bergara's action is specifically designed for smoother cycling and incorporates a hinged floorplate for faster unloading—a tangible advantage in the field. The Bergara's Cerakote finish and SoftTouch stock also offer better corrosion resistance and a more secure grip in wet conditions than the Stevens 334's basic matte black synthetic, justifying its higher price point for a dedicated hunter. For more budget-conscious plinking, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win remains a solid choice.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 7.3 pounds (118.5 oz) unloaded and without optics, and measures 39.5 inches in overall length, standard for a compact hunting rifle. The 20-inch barrel contributes to a well-balanced feel, preventing the rifle from becoming overly muzzle-light when a suppressor is attached, and its 1:24 twist rate is specifically calibrated for stabilizing the heavy 250 to 300-grain bullets typical of the .450 Bushmaster. This weight and balance, combined with a length of pull approximately 13.5 inches, make it manageable for shooters of varying statures without feeling overly bulky in a hunting blind or vehicle.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for long-range precision shooters, tactical competitors, or anyone seeking a lightweight mountain rifle. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge has a trajectory similar to a thrown softball beyond 250 yards, and the rifle's 7.3-pound weight is not ideal for extended backcountry packing compared to ultralight models. It is also a poor choice for high-volume recreational shooting due to the cost and substantial recoil of .450 Bushmaster ammunition, which can exceed $2.50 per round for hunting loads. A shooter looking for an affordable, multi-purpose rifle for the range and field would be better served by a Stevens 334 in .243 Win.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the completed rifle, one 1/2x28 thread protector, and the owner's manual—no scope, mounts, or case are included, emphasizing this is a bare-bones hunting platform. The rifle ships in a standard cardboard box with foam inserts, and its receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with Remington 700-style hole patterns, allowing immediate installation of scope rings and bases from manufacturers like Leupold or Talley. The hinged floorplate Magazine holds 4 rounds, giving a total capacity of 4+1, which is standard for this cartridge and action type.

Is the Bergara B-14 Ridge .450 Bushmaster worth it at $909.99?

At $909.99, this rifle is a worthwhile investment for a hunter who needs a reliable, accurate, and regulation-compliant tool for specific game and terrain, and who values the proven quality of a Bergara barrel. The price reflects the cost of the barrel-making process and the durable finish, which are tangible upgrades over more basic rifles in this caliber. However, if your hunting does not require a straight-walled cartridge or you prioritize budget over barrel pedigree, a more general-purpose rifle at a lower price point may offer better value.

Specs at a glance

Bergara B-14 Ridge .450 Bus… SPECS AT A GLANCE 118.5 oz WEIGHT 334 in SIZE $2.50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Bergara-made barrel with a 1:24 twist rate - optimized for .450 Bushmaster's heavy bullets.
  • Hinged floorplate magazine holds 4+1 rounds - allows for quick unloading in the field.
  • Weighs 7.3 lbs - balances well with a 20-inch barrel and potential suppressor.

Trade-offs

  • No factory-installed recoil pad - the hard buttplate transmits full recoil from the heavy cartridge.
  • Synthetic stock is not bedded - accuracy may not be fully realized without aftermarket bedding or chassis.
  • Bare-bones packaging - includes only rifle, thread protector, and manual; no case or scope mounting hardware.

Key attributes

upc043125015931
manufacturerBergara
manufacturer part numberB14S506C
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length20''
caliber/gauge.450 Bushmaster
capacity4-Round
colorBlack
length39.5''
magazine included1 x 4-Round
modelB14 Ridge
package height3.0
package width8.0
product typeRifle
shipping weight9.0
sightsNo
units per box1

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Remington 700 scope bases?
Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped with the standard Remington 700 long-action hole spacing, accepting any #6 or #8 screw scope base or one-piece mount designed for the Remington 700. I recommend using bases from Warne or EGW for a secure fit. No modifications are required.
Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
Yes, the 39.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most 42-inch or longer soft or hard rifle cases. A common Plano All-Weather double rifle case, with interior dimensions of 52 x 13 inches, can easily accommodate this rifle with a scope mounted.
What muzzle devices does the threaded barrel accept?
The 20-inch barrel has a 1/2x28 thread pitch, which is the standard for .223/5.56 rifles. This allows direct attachment of many common muzzle brakes, flash hiders, or suppressors rated for .45 caliber. Always verify your suppressor's caliber and pressure rating with the manufacturer before use.
How long does shipping and FFL transfer take?
Ironclad Armory typically processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2 business days. Transit time via common carrier is 3-5 business days. The FFL transfer process at your local dealer usually adds 10-30 minutes for paperwork and a NICS background check, which can be instant or take several days.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$909.99