As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours in the field testing various scopes for my 450 Bushmaster. This powerful cartridge demands a scope that can handle its recoil while providing crystal clear views for those crucial shots. After extensive hands-on experience, I’m excited to share my top picks for the best 450 Bushmaster scopes in 2024.
Whether you’re gearing up for deer season or looking to upgrade your current optic, this guide will help you find the perfect scope to maximize your 450 Bushmaster’s potential. I’ve carefully evaluated factors like durability, optical clarity, and overall value to bring you a curated list of scopes that truly shine on this hard-hitting platform.
Let’s dive into the top contenders:
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9x40mm
The Vortex Crossfire II consistently impresses me as an excellent all-around choice for the 450 Bushmaster. Its 3-9x magnification range is ideal for typical hunting distances, while the 40mm objective lens gathers plenty of light for those crucial low-light shots at dawn and dusk.
Key Features:
- Fully multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission
- Rugged single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Long eye relief and forgiving eye box
- Resettable MOA turrets for easy zeroing
I’ve found the Crossfire II to be extremely durable in the field. The clear glass and crisp reticle make target acquisition a breeze, even in challenging lighting conditions. At its price point, it offers incredible value for 450 Bushmaster shooters.
- The 3-9×40 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
Leupold’s reputation for quality is on full display with the VX-Freedom. This scope is purpose-built for the 450 Bushmaster, featuring a custom dial system calibrated specifically for the cartridge’s ballistics.
Key Features:
- Twilight Light Management System for extended shooting light
- 1/4 MOA precision finger click adjustments
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee
The optical clarity of the VX-Freedom is outstanding. I’ve used this scope to take whitetails at 200+ yards with confidence. The custom 450 Bushmaster dial makes holdovers a non-issue, allowing for quick and precise shots at varying distances.
- Model No.174182 – VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Duplex CDS reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Trijicon AccuPoint 1-6x24mm
For those who want maximum versatility, the Trijicon AccuPoint is hard to beat. Its true 1x setting is perfect for close-range work, while the 6x upper end gives you plenty of reach for longer shots.
- Superior Quality Lenses: Multi-coated lenses provide superior clarity and light gathering capabilities with zero distortion
Key Features:
- Illuminated reticle powered by fiber optics and tritium
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- Multi-coated lenses
I love the AccuPoint for its always-on illuminated reticle that doesn’t require batteries. The glass quality is superb, providing edge-to-edge clarity. While it’s on the pricier side, the AccuPoint’s versatility and build quality make it a worthy investment for serious 450 Bushmaster hunters.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40mm
The Diamondback offers a bit more magnification than the Crossfire II, making it ideal for those who frequently take longer shots with their 450 Bushmaster.
- The Diamondback 4-12×40 riflescope is one of multiple configurations in the Diamondback lineup and is ideal for a variety of applications.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle is good for hunting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over would be a concern.
Key Features:
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Precision glide erector system for smooth magnification changes
- Argon purged for superior waterproofing
- Lifetime warranty
I’ve found the Diamondback to be incredibly reliable in harsh conditions. The BDC reticle is particularly useful for holdovers with the 450 Bushmaster’s arcing trajectory. The glass clarity is excellent for the price point, rivaling some much more expensive scopes.
Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm
The Burris Fullfield E1 is a solid mid-range option that offers great performance without breaking the bank. Its Ballistic Plex E1 reticle is well-suited to the 450 Bushmaster’s ballistics.
- VERSATILE – The 3-9x is the absolute staple for American hunters in all sorts of terrain/conditions; is rugged to handle a lifetime of field use, heavy recoil, and harsh vibration such as bouncing around in your side by side or back of your hunting rig
Key Features:
- Trajectory-compensating reticle
- Positive steel-on-steel adjustments
- Hi-Lume multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
I appreciate the Fullfield E1’s simplicity and durability. The trajectory compensation points on the reticle take the guesswork out of longer shots. While not as feature-packed as some pricier options, it’s a reliable scope that gets the job done.
Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50mm
For long-range enthusiasts looking to push their 450 Bushmaster to its limits, the Athlon Argos BTR offers high magnification and advanced features at a reasonable price point.
- 0.1 MIL Click Value, 18 MIL Total Adjustment, 10 yards to infinity Parallax adjustment
- First focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing you to fully utilize the specially designed reticle that shrinks or grows along with your target as you zoom in or out.
Key Features:
- First focal plane reticle
- Illuminated APMR MIL reticle
- XPL coating for protection against dirt, oil, and scratches
- Argon purged for thermal stability
While the 450 Bushmaster isn’t typically a long-range cartridge, I’ve used the Argos BTR to make precise shots well beyond 300 yards. The first focal plane reticle is particularly useful for holdovers and ranging at any magnification.
Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Red Dot
For close-range hunting or home defense applications, a quality red dot like the Sig Romeo5 can be an excellent choice for the 450 Bushmaster.
- ROMEO5 GUN SIGHT – The ROMEO5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight mounts on any platform, and even though it’s small, it’s tough; The solid, lightweight aluminum design gives peak performance & years of service, so you can be on the top of a hunt or shooting competition
Key Features:
- 2 MOA red dot
- MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
- 10 illumination settings
- IPX-7 waterproof rating
I’ve found the Romeo5 to be incredibly fast for target acquisition in dense brush. The motion-activated illumination helps conserve battery life, while the robust construction stands up to the 450 Bushmaster’s recoil without issue.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP
Another versatile option, the Primary Arms SLx offers a true 1x setting for close work and enough magnification for longer shots, all with a first focal plane ACSS reticle.
- Variable 1-6x magnification first focal plane scope features the ACSS Raptor designed for 5.56/5.45/.308
- Reticle features include auto-ranging out to 600 yards, moving target leads and a horseshoe to easily draw the eye to the target
Key Features:
- ACSS Raptor 5.56/.308 reticle (works well with 450 Bushmaster ballistics)
- First focal plane design
- Partial red illumination
- 6063 aluminum construction
The ACSS reticle is a game-changer for quick ranging and holdovers. I’ve found this scope to be incredibly fast and intuitive to use, making it a great choice for hunters who need to make quick shots at varying distances.
Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40mm
While Nikon has discontinued their rifle scope line, the ProStaff remains a popular choice on the used market for 450 Bushmaster shooters on a budget.
Key Features:
- BDC reticle
- Quick-focus eyepiece
- Spring-loaded instant zero-reset turrets
- Fully multi-coated optics
I’ve used the ProStaff extensively over the years, and it continues to impress with its clarity and reliability. If you can find one in good condition, it’s still a worthy contender for your 450 Bushmaster.
Meopta MeoPro Optika5 2-10x42mm
Rounding out our list is the Meopta Optika5, a premium European optic that offers exceptional clarity and low-light performance.
- MEOBRIGHT – This Gun Scope incorporates an ion-assisted lens multi-coating applied to all air-to-glass optical surfaces; Developed by Meopta, these multi-coatings eliminate glare and reflections and deliver an industry leading 99.8% light transmission per lens surface
Key Features:
- MeoBright lens coatings
- Second focal plane Z-Plex reticle
- 1/4 MOA adjustments
- Zoom ratio of 5:1
The glass quality on the Optika5 is truly impressive, rivaling scopes costing much more. I’ve found it to excel in low-light conditions, extending my effective hunting time significantly. While it’s a significant investment, the optical performance is hard to beat.
Choosing the Right Scope for Your Needs
When selecting a scope for your 450 Bushmaster, consider the following factors:
Intended Use: Are you primarily hunting in dense woods, or do you need the ability to take longer shots across fields?
Budget: Quality optics are an investment, but there are good options at various price points.
Durability: The 450 Bushmaster has significant recoil, so choose a scope built to handle it.
Optical Clarity: Look for fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality glass.
Reticle Type: Consider whether you prefer a simple duplex or a more complex BDC-style reticle.
Magnification Range: For most hunting applications, 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal, but your needs may vary.
Warranty: A lifetime warranty can provide peace of mind for your investment.
Conclusion
The 450 Bushmaster is a capable cartridge that deserves a quality optic to match. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option like the Vortex Crossfire II or a premium scope like the Trijicon AccuPoint, there’s a perfect match for your shooting style and budget.
Remember, the best scope is the one that meets your specific needs and that you’re comfortable using. Take the time to handle different options if possible, and don’t be afraid to invest in quality – a good scope can last a lifetime with proper care.
Happy hunting, and may your shots fly true with your new 450 Bushmaster scope!