Mossberg Patriot .450 Bushmaster 20-inch Cerakote Rifle
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
Video review
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
Key attributes
| upc | 015813282598 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 28259 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .450 Bushmaster |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Blue |
| length | 46.4000 |
| number of magazines | 1 4 rd. |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.6 |
| sights | No |
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.