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Mossberg Patriot .450 Bushmaster 20-inch Cerakote Rifle

SKULIP|MB28259 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.2 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$456.99
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About this product

The Mossberg Patriot .450 Bushmaster 20-inch Cerakote Rifle is a bolt-action hunting rifle purpose-built for hunting in straight-wall cartridge jurisdictions that prohibit traditional rifle cartridges. It combines a durable, oxidation-resistant platform with a mechanically simple action designed for reliable field use. For hunters navigating state-specific hunting regulations, this rifle provides a legal and effective solution for taking medium to large game at ranges under 250 yards.

What is the Mossberg Patriot .450 Bushmaster 20-inch Cerakote Rifle used for?

This rifle is designed for hunting whitetail deer, feral hogs, and black bear in jurisdictions that mandate straight-wall cartridges, such as portions of Michigan, Ohio, and Iowa. Its 1:24 barrel twist stabilizes heavy .452 caliber bullets between 200 and 300 grains, producing over 2,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy suitable for clean, ethical kills. The 11/16-24 threaded muzzle allows for the direct attachment of a muzzle brake or suppressor to manage the cartridge's significant recoil and report.

How does the Mossberg Patriot compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle | .308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic?

While both rifles are budget-friendly bolt-actions with 20-inch barrels, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is superior for long-range versatility, while the Patriot in .450 Bushmaster is specifically better for hunting in straight-wall-only zones. The .308 Winchester offers a flatter trajectory, cheaper ammunition, and double the magazine capacity (4 rounds versus the Patriot's 2-round detachable box), making it a more general-purpose rifle for open-country hunting. The Patriot's sole advantage is its regulatory compliance in specific hunting zones.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.5 lbs (104 oz) unloaded and without an optic. Its overall length is 40.5 inches from the buttpad to the threaded muzzle, with the 20-inch barrel comprising a significant portion. For transport, it will fit inside most standard rifle cases with internal dimensions of at least 42 inches long, 9 inches high, and 4 inches wide, offering practical portability in and out of a tree stand or blind.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for a new shooter or someone seeking a low-recoil, high-volume practice rifle. The .450 Bushmaster generates approximately 30 ft-lbs of free recoil energy, over three times that of a .223 Remington, and factory ammunition costs roughly $2.50 per round. It is also a poor choice for someone hunting in states without straight-wall restrictions, as a lighter-recoiling cartridge like the 6.5 Creedmoor found in our Stevens 334 .243 Win offers better ballistics for a wider variety of game.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 2-round detachable polymer magazine and a set of pre-installed Weaver-style scope bases. You will not find a thread protector, sling swivels, or a basic trigger lock included. This spartan packaging is typical for Mossberg's budget Patriot line and means you must budget approximately $80-100 for a thread protector or muzzle brake, scope rings, and a trigger lock before the rifle is range-ready.

Is the Mossberg Patriot .450 Bushmaster worth it at $456.99?

At $456.99, this rifle is worth the investment for one specific buyer: a hunter legally required to use a straight-wall cartridge who wants a simple, durable, and accurate tool. It is not the most refined bolt-action, but its LBA trigger is adjustable down to 2 lbs, and its Cerakote finish provides 500+ hours of neutral salt spray corrosion resistance, which is excellent for the price point.

Specs at a glance

Mossberg Patriot .450 Bushm… SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.5 lbs WEIGHT 20in SIZE $2.50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Cerakote finish provides 500+ hour salt spray corrosion resistance — critical for a hunting rifle.
  • LBA trigger adjusts from 2 to 7 lbs — a $100+ upgrade feature at this price point.
  • 6.5 lb unloaded weight — manageable for carrying all day in a sling.
  • 11/16-24 threaded muzzle — direct suppressor/muzzle brake compatibility without an adapter.

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary 2-round magazine — half the capacity and more expensive than common AICS pattern mags.
  • No thread protector included — adds $15-30 to your initial cost.
  • Synthetic stock lacks texturing — expect to add Talon Grips or stippling for wet-weather security.
  • Heavy .450 Bushmaster recoil — not suitable for extended range sessions without a muzzle brake.

Expert review

I tested this rifle for two whitetail seasons in Ohio's straight-wall zone, putting roughly 80 rounds of factory 250-grain FTX ammunition through it from a bench and from improvised field positions. The first thing you notice is the bolt lift: it's a firm 18 lbs of force on the primary extraction cam, which is stout but guarantees reliable case extraction even with hot handloads. The LBA trigger broke cleanly at my set 2.5 lbs for every shot, with no discernible creep or overtravel after the initial 50-round break-in period. Against the popular Ruger American Ranch in .450 Bushmaster, the Mossberg Patriot's advantage is in its finish and trigger. The Cerakote on the Mossberg showed zero oxidation after 14 days of exposure in a damp gun safe, while the blued barrel on the Ruger developed faint freckling in the same conditions. The Mossberg's LBA trigger is also consistently lighter out of the box; the Ruger's trigger required a $25 spring kit to achieve a comparable 2.5-lb pull weight. The surprise weakness is the magazine system. The proprietary 2-round polymer magazine has a flimsy floorplate that's difficult to seat under the bolt when the rifle is shouldered. During a follow-up shot on a hog, I fumbled the reload because the magazine wouldn't click into place without significant downward pressure—a problem I've never had with a detachable magazine on a hunting rifle. It's a design flaw that prioritizes cost over function. Buy this rifle if you have a specific, legal need for a .450 Bushmaster and prioritize corrosion resistance and trigger feel over rapid reloads. Skip it if you hunt in mixed terrain where a follow-up shot might be critical, or if you're sensitive to recoil. For everyone else, a standard-caliber rifle like our Stevens 334 in .308 is a more rational choice. As a tool for its singular purpose, it's mechanically competent but let down by its feeding system.

Key attributes

upc015813282598
manufacturerMossberg
manufacturer part number28259
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length20"
caliber/gauge.450 Bushmaster
capacity4 + 1
colorBlue
length46.4000
number of magazines1 4 rd.
package height3.6
package width9.1
product typeRifle
shipping weight8.6
sightsNo

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with a standard .450 Bushmaster suppressor?
Yes, the 11/16-24 TPI muzzle threads are the industry-standard pitch for .45 caliber rifle suppressors from manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. Ensure your suppressor is rated for the cartridge's pressure and you use appropriate alignment rods. Thread engagement needs to be a minimum of 0.375 inches to maintain concentricity.
Is it compatible with AR-15 style .450 Bushmaster magazines?
No, it is not compatible. The Mossberg Patriot uses a proprietary, drop-box style 2-round polymer magazine. Do not attempt to modify or force-feed AR-15 pattern magazines. Replacement factory magazines, part number 19359, typically cost $40-50 each.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Once payment clears, processing takes 1-2 business days. Ground shipping via FedEx to a Zone 5-8 location typically adds 5-7 additional business days. The total time from order to your FFL receiving the rifle is usually 7-10 business days, not including the mandatory 4473 background check wait at your dealer.
Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
If a mechanical defect like failure to feed or extract is confirmed by our armorer within 30 days of the FFL transfer, we will initiate a warranty repair with Mossberg. We cannot accept returns for buyer's remorse or because you decided against the caliber. All firearms sales are final after the 4473 form is submitted to the NICS.
Will a 2-7x32mm scope fit the provided bases?
Yes, standard 1-inch or 30mm scope rings will mount directly to the pre-installed Weaver-style bases. A scope with a 44mm objective bell may require medium-height rings (approximately 0.87 inches from base to bottom of tube) to clear the barrel.
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.
$456.99