Ruger American Gen II .450 Bushmaster 20″ Gray Splatter
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Ruger American Gen II .450 Bushmaster 20″ Gray Splatter? It's a purpose-built bolt-action hunting rifle chambered in the powerful .450 Bushmaster cartridge, designed specifically for heavy game hunting in states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. This Gen II iteration features significant ergonomic improvements over its predecessor, including an adjustable length of pull and factory-installed muzzle brake. The gray splatter Cerakote finish provides both corrosion resistance and effective camouflage in wooded environments.
What is the Ruger American Gen II .450 Bushmaster used for?
This rifle is specifically designed for hunting large game in Midwest states with straight-walled cartridge regulations. It delivers approximately 2,700 foot-pounds of muzzle energy with factory ammunition, making it effective for whitetail, black bear, and feral hog hunting within 200 yards. The 20-inch barrel and 1:16 twist rate optimize .450 Bushmaster ballistics while keeping the overall package manageable in dense cover.
How does the Ruger American Gen II compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Ruger American outperforms the Stevens 334 in states requiring straight-walled cartridges, where the .308 Win is illegal for deer hunting. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers flatter trajectory beyond 300 yards, the Ruger's .450 Bushmaster delivers 40% more energy at 100 yards, making it better for quick, ethical kills on large game. The Ruger also features a user-adjustable trigger versus the Stevens' fixed trigger system.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 40.5 inches in overall length with the 20-inch barrel. The barrel diameter measures 0.72 inches at the muzzle with 11/16"-24 threads for suppressor or muzzle device attachment. The adjustable stock allows length of pull adjustment from 13.5 to 14.5 inches, accommodating various shooter sizes and winter clothing layers.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for long-range precision shooting or varmint hunting due to the .450 Bushmaster's rainbow trajectory beyond 250 yards. The 3-round magazine capacity makes it impractical for tactical applications or high-volume shooting. Hunters in states without straight-walled cartridge restrictions would be better served by a the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for its superior ballistics and ammunition availability.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one detachable three-round magazine, steel sling swivel studs, and a factory-installed Picatinny scope base. Unlike many competitors, Ruger includes the radial port muzzle brake pre-installed, saving approximately $80-120 compared to aftermarket installation. The package does not include optic rings, requiring separate purchase of 1-inch or 30mm rings depending on scope selection.
Is the Ruger American Gen II worth it at $607.99?
At $607.99, this rifle represents solid value for hunters in straight-wall cartridge states who need reliable performance without custom gunsmithing. The included muzzle brake and adjustable stock features would cost $150-200 if added to a base model rifle. For comprehensive guidance on hunting regulations and equipment selection, check our more on regulatory compliance guide. The total package delivers hunting-ready performance at approximately 60% of the cost of custom-built alternatives.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory muzzle brake reduces recoil by approximately 30% compared to unbaffled barrels
- Adjustable length of pull from 13.5" to 14.5" accommodates various shooters without modification
- 20-inch barrel optimizes .450 Bushmaster ballistics while keeping overall length manageable at 40.5 inches
Trade-offs
- 3-round magazine capacity limits practical use compared to 5-round options available on some competitors
- Gray splatter finish shows fouling more visibly than matte black finishes after 20-30 rounds
- No iron sights included — requires immediate optic purchase adding $150-500 to total cost
Key attributes
| upc | 736676469055 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 46905 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel finish | Gun Metal Gray Cerakote |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .450 Bushmaster |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | GREY |
| length | 46.9500 |
| model | American |
| number of magazines | 1 3 rd. |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | 3 Position |
| shipping weight | 7.7 |
| sights | Picatinny Scope Base Installed |
| thread pattern | 11/16"x24 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .450 Bushmaster ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers and fires all SAAMI-spec .450 Bushmaster ammunition from Federal, Hornady, and Remington. The 1:16 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 250 to 300 grains effectively. Always verify ammunition compatibility with your local range regulations.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- The 40.5-inch overall length requires a 42-inch or larger rifle case. Most standard 40-inch cases will be too short. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases or similar models with 44-inch internal dimensions for proper clearance.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after order processing. All firearms require shipment to your chosen FFL holder for background check and transfer. Contact your dealer before ordering to confirm their transfer fees and availability.
- Can I mount a suppressor on the threaded barrel?
- Yes, the 11/16"-24 threads accept standard .45 caliber suppressors like the SilencerCo Hybrid 46 or Dead Air Primal. Remember that suppressor ownership requires ATF Form 4 approval, which typically takes 8-12 months for processing.