Mossberg Patriot 450 Bushmaster 16.25in FDE
Pros & cons
What works
- 16.25-inch fluted and threaded barrel (5/8-24) — ready for suppressor mounting without gunsmithing
- LBA trigger adjustable from 2 to 7 pounds — provides a crisp 3.5-pound break out of the box
- Weighs 6.8 lbs unloaded — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable Henry Single Shot .450 Bushmaster
- Includes a 4-round detachable steel magazine — faster reloads than traditional internal magazines
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock flexes under bipod pressure — can impact point of impact shift by up to 1.5 MOA
- Matte blued finish requires immediate oiling in humid environments — more maintenance than nitride
- No thread protector included — requires purchasing a separate 5/8-24 cap ($8-15)
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Mossberg Patriot 450 Bushmaster 16.25in FDE is a compact, threaded-barreled bolt-action rifle purpose-built for heavy-duty field applications where maneuverability and suppressor compatibility are priorities. This is a factory-configured rifle that operates on the short-action Patriot platform, chambered in a straight-walled cartridge developed specifically to comply with hunting regulations in certain Midwestern states. At $476.99, it represents Mossberg's value-driven approach to delivering functional specifications at an entry price point for the .450 Bushmaster cartridge.
What is the Mossberg Patriot 450 Bushmaster 16.25in FDE used for?
This configuration is engineered primarily for brush and timber hunting of large game within regulated straight-walled cartridge zones, providing the terminal performance of a .45-70 in a modern, shorter-action format. The 16.25-inch fluted barrel and compact synthetic stock make it highly maneuverable in dense cover, while the threaded muzzle (5/8-24) allows for direct attachment of a .45-caliber suppressor, drastically reducing blast and improving shot-to-shot recovery. Its 1:24 twist rate is optimized for stabilizing heavy, subsonic .452-inch diameter bullets, making it a viable platform for controlled-expansion hunting loads or quiet subsonic applications where local regulations permit.
How does the Mossberg Patriot 450 Bushmaster compare to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win?
The Mossberg Patriot in .450 Bushmaster offers a specialized, close-range hunting solution where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win provides a more versatile, long-range capable general-purpose rifle. The .450 Bushmaster cartridge is ballistically superior for delivering massive energy transfer under 200 yards on thick-skinned game like bear or boar, while the .308 Winchester in the Stevens 334 Rifle is better for reaching out to 300+ yards on deer-sized game with a much flatter trajectory and wider ammo selection. Mechanically, the Patriot features Mossberg's LBA adjustable trigger and a spiral-fluted bolt, whereas the Stevens 334 uses a more traditional two-position safety and a smoother, non-fluted bolt assembly.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the rifle weighs 6.8 pounds (108.8 oz), providing a stable off-hand shooting platform without being burdensome during long stalks. The overall length is 36.5 inches, with a barrel length of 16.25 inches and a length of pull measuring 13.75 inches, which is standard for adult shooters. The 5/8-24 threaded muzzle extends approximately 0.625 inches beyond the crown, and the Picatinny rail adds another 0.75 inches of height over the receiver for optic mounting, giving a typical cheek weld that requires careful stock-to-optic matching.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the shooter seeking a long-range precision platform or someone primarily interested in high-volume target shooting due to the cost and limited variety of factory .450 Bushmaster ammunition. The cartridge's rainbow-like trajectory makes it ineffective beyond 250 yards in practical field conditions, and the rifle's synthetic stock lacks the rigidity and bedding adjustments necessary for consistent sub-MOA accuracy demanded by serious benchrest competitors. Furthermore, hunters in states without straight-walled cartridge regulations will find more versatile and economical options in traditional calibers like .30-06 or .308 Winchester, such as those offered in our inventory of Stevens 334 rifles.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, a single 4-round steel detachable box magazine, and the factory-installed Picatinny rail scope base with mounting hardware. Mossberg includes a basic set of hex keys for adjusting the LBA trigger pull weight, which ranges from 2 to 7 pounds, but does not provide thread protectors or a muzzle device—you must source a 5/8-24 thread protector or muzzle brake separately. The packaging includes a standard cable lock and the necessary safety and manual of arms documentation, compliant with federal shipping requirements.
Is the Mossberg Patriot 450 Bushmaster 16.25in FDE worth it at $476.99?
At this price point, it's a compelling entry into the straight-walled hunting category, costing approximately $150 less than a comparable Ruger American Ranch in the same caliber while including a fluted barrel and adjustable trigger. You're paying for a no-frills, mechanically sound tool that delivers on its core promise: reliable function with heavy-hitting ammunition in a compact, suppressor-ready package. The trade-off is in fit and finish; the synthetic stock exhibits more flex than a laminate or fiberglass option, and the matte bluing, while durable, is more susceptible to surface rust in humid conditions than a modern nitride or Cerakote finish.
Key attributes
| upc | 015813280518 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 28051 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Matte Blued |
| barrel length | 16.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .450 Bushmaster |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 46.375 |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | Rifle Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| thread pattern | 11/16"x24 tpi |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the threaded barrel accept a .450 Bushmaster suppressor?
- Yes, the 5/8-24 threaded muzzle is the standard thread pitch for .45-caliber rifle suppressors. You'll need a suppressor rated for the .450 Bushmaster's maximum SAAMI pressure of 38,500 psi, such as models from Silencer Central or Dead Air. Always verify your suppressor's caliber and pressure rating with the manufacturer before direct-thread attachment.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket Patriot stocks?
- Yes, it accepts any Mossberg Patriot short-action stock, but confirm the barrel channel is sized for a .450 Bushmaster's heavier contour. Boyd's and Hogue offer direct-drop-in options, but bedding with an epoxy like Devcon 10110 is recommended for improved accuracy. The action screws require 35-40 in/lbs of torque for proper fit.
- How many rounds does the magazine hold?
- The factory steel magazine holds 4 rounds of .450 Bushmaster ammunition. Aftermarket options from companies like Mossberg or third-party manufacturers can increase capacity to 5 or 7 rounds, but check local hunting regulations which often impose a 5-round limit for semi-automatic and manually operated rifles in the field.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day inspection and function test period for manufacturing defects. The rifle must be returned in original, unfired condition with all packaging. If a cycling issue is discovered—often related to magazine feed lip geometry or bolt headspace—contact our support team first; most issues are resolved with a magazine replacement or a 0.002-inch headspace gauge check.