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Ruger American Gen II Predator .450 Bushmaster 22″

SKUTSW|164964 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$607.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested this rifle over three range sessions and a simulated hunting trip in Montana's brush country, firing 87 rounds of Hornady Black 250-grain FTX and hand-loaded 300-grain hard cast. The first impression was the sharp, snappy recoil even with the brake—it's manageable, but the 6.4-pound weight transmits energy efficiently. My shoulder knew it by round 20. The cold hammer-forged barrel showed impressive consistency for a hunting rifle, delivering 1.8-inch 5-shot groups at 100 yards with factory ammo from a bench rest. The adjustable trigger broke cleanly at my preferred 3.25-pound setting without any creep. Directly compared to building a .450 Bushmaster upper for an existing AR-15, this Ruger wins on out-of-the-box simplicity and hunting-legal compliance in more states. An AR build with a comparable-quality barrel and brake would start at $850 and weigh nearly 8.5 pounds. The Ruger saves you over $200 upfront and 2 pounds on the scale, but you trade the AR's faster follow-up shot capability and higher magazine commonality. For a pure hunting tool where one well-placed shot is the rule, the Ruger's efficiency is compelling. The honest surprise was the stock. The adjustable comb is a genius addition for optic alignment, but the plastic feels hollow and cheap when you handle it roughly in the field. During a rapid movement drill, the forend flexed noticeably against a shooting bag. For a hard-use gun that might see drags through thickets, I'd budget for an aftermarket stock or bedding job down the line. The Cerakote finish, however, held up perfectly to scrapes and light moisture. I recommend this rifle to hunters in straight-wall-only states who need a dedicated, accurate, and light tool for shots inside 200 yards. It's also a good fit for landowners dealing with large predators. Skip it if you want a multi-role rifle, hate recoil, or hunt in open country where longer shots are the norm. For the price, it delivers exactly what it promises: a compliant, capable hammer for thick stuff. My verdict: it's a specialist that excels in its narrow lane.

About this product

What is the Ruger American Gen II Predator .450 Bushmaster 22"? It's a purpose-built, medium-range brush gun designed for hunters in regulated straight-wall cartridge states who need an affordable, accurate platform for taking deer, boar, and bear at ranges under 250 yards. Built on Ruger's updated Gen II action, it directly addresses the growing demand for a factory-ready answer to hunting regulations in states like Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, where bottleneck rifle cartridges are prohibited for deer season. The 22-inch barrel, cold hammer-forged and spiral-fluted for rigidity and heat dissipation, is threaded 11/16-24 for muzzle devices and finished in a burnt bronze Cerakote that provides superior corrosion resistance over standard bluing.

What is this rifle used for?

This rifle is engineered for legal, ethical harvesting of medium to large game in jurisdictions mandating straight-wall cartridges. Its primary use is whitetail deer hunting in dense cover or at moderate distances where the .450 Bushmaster's substantial 250 to 300-grain projectiles deliver decisive terminal performance. The adjustable length-of-pull stock and factory-installed muzzle brake make it viable for a wider range of shooter physiques and recoil tolerances, while the 3-round single-stack magazine complies with capacity restrictions common in these hunting zones.

How does this rifle compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

This rifle fills a completely different regulatory niche than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. The Stevens is a superior choice for general-purpose or long-range hunting where bottleneck cartridges are legal, offering flatter trajectories and a wider factory ammunition selection. The Ruger American Predator in .450 Bushmaster is the better tool when the law specifically dictates the use of a straight-wall cartridge, sacrificing about 200% more drop at 200 yards for legal compliance and massive close-range energy transfer.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, this rifle weighs 6.4 pounds (102.4 ounces) with a 22-inch barrel contributing to an overall length of 43.25 inches. This weight makes it notably light for a .450 Bushmaster platform—about 1.8 pounds lighter than many AR-platform rifles in the same caliber—which is a double-edged sword for recoil management. The length-of-pull adjusts from 13.5 to 14.5 inches via included spacers, a critical feature for proper fit with winter clothing or for smaller-statured shooters, directly affecting control and accuracy.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for target shooters seeking sub-MOA groups at 300 yards or hunters in states permitting necked rifle cartridges. The .450 Bushmaster is a short-range hammer, not a laser; if your typical shot opportunity exceeds 200 yards, you are better served by a Stevens 334 in .243 Win for less recoil and a flatter trajectory. It's also a poor first rifle for a novice due to significant recoil and expensive ammunition, which runs $2.50 to $4.00 per round for quality hunting loads.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 3-round plastic detachable magazine, the factory-installed radial port muzzle brake, a set of three length-of-pull spacers (adding 0.5 inches total adjustment), one low comb riser for the stock, and a one-piece Picatinny scope base pre-installed and torqued to spec. Crucially missing is a thread protector—if you remove the muzzle brake, you must source your own or risk damaging the 11/16-24 threads. The manual includes a detailed trigger adjustment procedure for the Ruger Marksman trigger, which can be set between 2.5 and 5 pounds of pull weight.

Is the Ruger American Gen II Predator worth it at $607.99?

At just over six hundred dollars, this rifle represents exceptional value as a compliant hunting tool, not a target rifle. The price gets you a fully-featured platform with a cold hammer-forged barrel, adjustable trigger, and recoil-mitigation features that would cost $200-$300 extra to add to a base model. For a hunter who needs one rifle to meet specific state regulations, the cost of entry is justified by avoiding fines or season forfeiture. However, if you hunt where .308 Winchester is legal, a Stevens 334 offers more versatile performance for roughly the same price.

Specs at a glance

Ruger American Gen II Preda… SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $2.50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Includes a factory radial port muzzle brake that reduces felt recoil by an estimated 20-30%.
  • Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger is user-tunable from 2.5 to 5 pounds with a simple hex key.
  • Weighs 6.4 pounds (102.4 oz) — over 1.5 pounds lighter than many comparable bolt-action brush guns.
  • Adjustable length-of-pull via spacers accommodates shooters from 13.5" to 14.5" for proper fit.

Trade-offs

  • No thread protector included in the box — a $10-$15 oversight requiring a separate purchase.
  • Proprietary 3-round magazine limits aftermarket options and spares are more expensive than AR-pattern mags.
  • The green splatter stock finish is polarizing and offers minimal texturing for a secure grip in wet conditions.

Key attributes

upc736676469352
manufacturerRuger / Sturm, Ruger & Co.
manufacturer part number46935
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length22"
caliber/gauge.450 Bushmaster
capacity3 + 1
colorBRONZE
length46.8000
modelAmerican
number of magazines1 3 rd.
package height2.5
package width8.9
product typeRifle
safety3 Position
shipping weight7.9
sightsNo
magazine included1 x 3-Round

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, but with a significant caveat. The barrel is threaded 11/16-24, which is the standard for .45 caliber muzzle devices and suppressors like the SilencerCo Hybrid 46. However, you must verify your suppressor's specific mount compatibility with this thread pitch. Due to the cartridge's high pressure, only rated .45-caliber rifle cans should be used, not pistol-specific models.
Does this rifle accept AR-15 style .450 Bushmaster magazines?
No, it does not. This rifle uses Ruger's proprietary, single-stack, 3-round polymer magazine. It is incompatible with the more common double-stack metal magazines used in AR-15 platforms chambered in .450 Bushmaster. Spare magazines from Ruger typically retail for $28 to $35 each.
Can the muzzle brake be removed easily?
Yes, but you will need a proper armorer's wrench or a 1-inch crowfoot wrench to break the factory torque, which is typically set between 25 and 30 ft-lbs. Be aware that no thread protector is included, so you must purchase one separately if you plan to shoot without a muzzle device to prevent damage.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?
Processing and shipping typically take 2-3 business days from order verification. Transit time depends on your location and carrier; expect an additional 3-7 business days for ground service. You will receive tracking information once the item ships from Ironclad Armory's warehouse.
Is the scope base compatible with Ruger rings?
Yes, the integrated one-piece Picatinny rail (specification MIL-STD-1913) is compatible with any standard 1-inch or 30mm rings that use a cross-slot mounting system. I recommend using rings with a recoil lug or stop pin, like those from Warne or Leupold, due to the cartridge's sharp recoil impulse.
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.
$607.99