5 Best Scopes for 450 Bushmaster

Best Overall

Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Great for big game, slug shotgun, and brush hunting.

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Best for the Money

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Riflescope

Versatile hunting scope.

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Best for Thick Cover

Aimpoint Comp M4

Guarantees long-lasting battery life.

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Best Illuminated Scope

NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated Hunting Scope

Offers excellent light transmission.

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Many experienced hunters prefer using the 450 Bushmaster because of its power and flat shooting. Several ammo companies produced high-performing ammunition that can match the 450 Bushmaster’s potential, and it can be single-stacked in standard AR-15 magazine bodies. Supplement that with a reliable scope and you’re good for the season. If you haven’t found one yet, here are our picks as the best scopes for 450 Bushmaster.

A Quick Comparison of the 5 Best Scopes for the 450 Bushmaster

Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope -...
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch...
Aimpoint CompM4s Red Dot Reflex Sight with Mount, Spacer - 2 MOA -...
NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 30mm Tube ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable...
Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9x40 Riflescope
Model
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope -...
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch...
Aimpoint CompM4s Red Dot Reflex Sight with Mount, Spacer - 2 MOA -...
NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 30mm Tube ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable...
Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9x40 Riflescope
MSRP
-
$148.37
$1,029.00
$1,290.00
$299.99
Optics
Multi-coated lenses
Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses
Advanced lens system
Multi-coated lenses
Twilight Light Management System
Material
Aluminum
Aluminum
Aluminum,Rubber
Aluminum
Aluminum
Weight
1.3 Pounds
1.35 Pounds
1.1 Pounds
2.6 Pounds
12.2 Ounces
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope -...
Model
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12x40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope -...
MSRP
-
Optics
Multi-coated lenses
Material
Aluminum
Weight
1.3 Pounds
More Information
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch...
Model
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch...
MSRP
$148.37
Optics
Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses
Material
Aluminum
Weight
1.35 Pounds
More Information
Aimpoint CompM4s Red Dot Reflex Sight with Mount, Spacer - 2 MOA -...
Model
Aimpoint CompM4s Red Dot Reflex Sight with Mount, Spacer - 2 MOA -...
MSRP
$1,029.00
Optics
Advanced lens system
Material
Aluminum,Rubber
Weight
1.1 Pounds
More Information
NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 30mm Tube ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable...
Model
NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 30mm Tube ZeroSet Parallax Adjustable...
MSRP
$1,290.00
Optics
Multi-coated lenses
Material
Aluminum
Weight
2.6 Pounds
More Information
Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9x40 Riflescope
Model
Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9x40 Riflescope
MSRP
$299.99
Optics
Twilight Light Management System
Material
Aluminum
Weight
12.2 Ounces
More Information

How to Choose

Magnification

Adjusting Rifle Scope Magnification

Decide on your scope’s magnification first. If you’re regularly engaging targets at a wide variety of ranges, get a scope with variable magnification so you can use it for close-range and long-range shooting. 

A scope with adjustable parallax is also a big plus for shooting long distances, but most likely, you’re more concerned about performance inside of 200 yards. If you like shooting steel at common self-defense ranges, a 1x optic is faster than any magnified scope since it’s a natural sight picture for your eye. That way, you can easily keep both eyes open and maximize your situational awareness.

Focal Plane

Most hunters and serious shooters are familiar with second focal plane scopes since they are the most common design. A second focal plane (SFP) riflescope makes the image increase or decrease in size with magnification while the reticle’s size remains the same. This means that the sub-tension or the reticle’s size relative to the target is constantly changing.

That means SFP scopes with BDC mil-dot or any ranging reticles only work at a specific magnification. SFP scopes are great for taking long-range precision shots on very small targets because its reticle remains thin even at high magnifications. With a simple duplex and a limited range of engagements, it can be a great choice

With a first focal plane (FFP) rifle scope, the reticle changes in size with magnification relative to the target, so the sub-tension remains constant on every magnification setting. This allows you to use the correct holdover point when taking long-distance shots and estimate range efficiently no matter the magnification. FFPs are best for quick-paced high-stress shooting scenarios with widely varying engagement ranges. 

Battery Life

Reflex Sight Battery

Running out of battery in the middle of a hunt would be a total buzzkill because you might end up losing your prey while changing batteries. So look for a scope that can last through hours of stalking and hunting.

Eye Relief

Choose a scope with generous eye relief so you can have sighting flexibility and a larger field of view. A long eye relief also protects your eyes from recoil, especially if you’re using a powerful firearm like the 450 Bushmaster.

Durability

Accidents are part of game hunting and target shooting. So your scope needs to be sturdy enough to survive drops and bumps, as well as stay dry in rain and snow. Aside from being perfect for the 450 Bushmaster, all the scopes we’ve listed below are shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof so you won’t be disappointed no matter what you choose.

Price

Price plays an important role in a consumer’s decision-making process. Like what we always tell our readers, if you’ve got money set aside for your shooting gear, splurging on premium brands is best since you’ll likely keep and use it for a lifetime. But if your budget is limited, there are also a lot of budget-friendly but reliable scopes to choose from.

5 Best Scopes for 450 Bushmaster

Best Overall: Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope

Two of the reasons why we love Vortex Optics products are the premium lifetime warranty and reliable customer service. Like every Vortex scope, the Diamondback is designed to last.

The Vortex Diamondback is equipped with a precision-glide erector system for smooth magnification changes even with extreme weather. Aside from hunting big game, slug shotgun, and brush hunting applications, this scope is also perfect for long precision shooting because it features the Dead-Hold BDC reticle.

One minor drawback is that the crosshairs get a little fuzzy at high magnification.

Pros

  • Fast-focus eyepiece
  • Extra-low dispersion glass
  • Shock-proof, waterproof, fog-proof 
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Limited eye relief
  • No sunshade included

Score

Magnification Score – 4/5

Good contrast and average glass, but produce a little too much glare at first and last light.

Focal Plane Score – 5/5

The second focal plane and Dead-Hold BDC reticle help improve accuracy.

Battery Life Score – 3.5/5

Average battery life.

Eye Relief Score – 3/5

Eye relief of 3.1 inches is a little short for powerful rifles.

Durability Score – 4/5

Well-built scope but Vortex has more heavy-duty models.

Price Score – 5/5

Affordable but of excellent quality.

Overall Score – 4/5

The Diamondback is a great buy because of its features that are also offered by high-end scopes.

What Customers Say

“Awesome price. Got it for $236 with free delivery via Amazon. Easy setup with the Savage 10TR rifle. Used in conjunction with the Burris Zee rings. 1/4 MOA, dials have an audible and tactile feel when turning the turrets. The clarity is superb, can see clearly at night even at the maximum x12 magnification. One of the selling features of Vortex is their bulletproof guarantee. Can’t go wrong!”

Roadcarver

“For the price, this is hard to beat. Having a 3.5x bottom end really opens up the field of view and a 50mm objective allows a lot of light to come in for those early morning/late night hunting sessions. My only complaint is the eye relief, too short and doesn’t allow for any head movement. Only took off 1 star because for the price idk that it can be beat.”

Matthew R. Haines

Best for the Money: Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Riflescope

The Crossfire II is a favorite among hunters because it can be used on different hunting applications.

It’s made with aircraft-grade aluminum, like any other Vortex optics on the market. To add to its durability, the Crossfire II has an O-ring seal and is purged with nitrogen, so you don’t have to worry about wet weather. Getting a clear view of your target is also a breeze with the Vortex Crossfire’s anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses.

What’s best about the Crossfire II is that it has a Second Focal Plane. So you can zoom all you want and your reticle’s size will still be the same.

This versatile optic is worth every penny as it can cater to three types of reticles. So you can use it whatever your shooting style is. 

You can use the Dead-Hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle which provides reference marks to compensate for bullet drift, especially at long ranges.

You can also use the more traditional V-Plex reticle for short-range day hunting. Or you can use the V-Brite reticle which allows you to adjust illumination depending on the weather or environment.

Pros

  • Long eye relief
  • Shockproof and waterproof
  • Affordable

Cons

  • It’s heavier and bulkier than most scopes

Score

Magnification Score – 3.5/5

Average tunnel vision and the sight picture gets blurry at higher magnification.

Focal Plane Score – 4/5

The second focal plane plus V-Plex reticle combo is perfect for all types of shooting.

Battery Life Score – 3.5/5

Average battery life.

Eye Relief Score – 5/5

Plenty of eye relief and a generous eye box.

Durability Score – 4/5

Vortex didn’t compromise Crossfire II’s material construction despite its affordability.

Price Score – 5/5

One of Vortex’s best value scopes.

Overall Score – 4/5

The Crossfire II is a great scope for beginners, short-range shooting, and for those who don’t do heavy shooting often.

What Customers Say

“I needed a good long eye relief scope for my Mosin-Nagant, because I decided to put a picatinny rail where the iron sights is instead of near the bolt. Anyways the precision at 100 yards after sighting it in was very good, and I don’t think it can be achieved with any other long eye relief scope at this price range. Would recommend.”

Petar Grigorov

“Great scope. I tried mounting it on a Henry Big Boy Lever action .41 Magnum. With the tiny Picatinny rail Henry makes and a 3″ forward offset QD mount it is still too close for a full eye view and way too high. Not the scope’s fault but just be warned you’ll need to mount it way forward to see out of it.”

sotxshooter

Best for Thick Cover: Aimpoint Comp M4

Hunting under unexpected rain or snow or through thick bushes is best done with a heavy-duty optic with easy acquisition and a wide field of view. So for these situations, we recommend the Aimpoint Comp M4. 

The Aimpoint Comp M4 is one of the easy-to-use red dots on the market. It may have a higher price range, but that’s for its top-notch performance and durability against daily stress and abuse. Plus it uses AA batteries so you won’t have a problem buying them. 

Pros

  • Easy brightness adjustments
  • Extremely durable

Cons

  • It’s expensive

Score

Magnification Score

Not applicable.

Focal Plane Score

Not applicable.

Battery Life Score – 4.5/5

80,000 hours of battery life using easily available AA batteries.

Eye Relief Score – 5/5

Unlimited eye relief and is also parallax-free.

Durability Score – 5/5

You can drag this scope through mud and it will still perform well.

Price Score – 3.5/5

The Comp M4 is pretty expensive for an LPVO.

Overall Score – 4.5/5

Its ruggedness and excellent performance make the Comp M4 a great investment.

What Customers Say

“Grade A optic, not the latest model but arguably the greatest model. Price point is a bit steep but you get what you pay for.”

Juan C.

“My first foray into Red-Dot, and it seems pretty sweet. Just what the REC7 DMR needed. 30 rounds into a quarter-sized grouping at 100 yards bench shooting is good enough for me.”

Keith H.

Best Illuminated: NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated Hunting Scope

Everything you’re looking for in a rifle scope, the NIGHTFORCE SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated Hunting Scope will deliver – fantastic illumination, outstanding durability, and top-tier performance.

The glass in this rifle scope is one of its remarkable features as it offers exceptional clarity no matter the weather. That plus its first focal plane performance and its wide magnification range, you can’t go wrong with the Nightforce SHV illuminated hunting scope.

Pros

  • Easy return to zero
  • Comes with MOAR or MIL-R reticle
  • Fast-focus eyepiece design

Cons

  • It’s very expensive

Score

Magnification Score – 4.5/5

This scope’s wide magnification range is perfect for various shooting applications.

Focal Plane Score – 4/5

The first focal plane feature makes long-distance shooting more enjoyable.

Battery Life Score – 4/5

Average battery life.

Eye Relief Score – 3.5/5

Eye relief of 3.1 inches is not of much help for faster target acquisition.

Durability Score – 4/5

This scope can take regular use and abuse.

Price Score – 4/5

We give it a 4 because of its reliability in spite of its price.

Overall Score – 4/5

If you’d ask us, the Nightforce SHV-4 is one of the best-illuminated scopes, plus it offers incredible shooting performance, making it worth every penny.

What Customers Say

“Great scope. If you have ever wondered why NF is so hyped, this is a great way to find out. You do get what you pay for with these.”

James Murray

“I own top tier optics. Swarovski, Schmitt and Bender, this NightForce is well worth the money, I’m using mine for prairie dogs and predators on a 224 valkerie. Very happy”

Liz Powell

Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope

Our last pick is definitely not the least, because it’s constructed to match the 450 Bushmaster’s power. It comes with generous eye relief and it provides excellent clarity any time of day. It doesn’t have blurriness or smudges around the lens’ edges, unlike other optics at the same price point.

Pros

  • Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • No lens caps included

Score

Magnification Score – 4/5

Its magnification range and Twilight Light Management system are good enough for short to mid-range shooting applications.

Focal Plane Score

The first focal plane feature makes long-distance shooting more enjoyable.

Battery Life Score – 4/5

Average battery life.

Eye Relief Score – 4/5

Average eye relief.

Durability Score – 4/5

This scope is proven to perform well under extreme weather.

Price Score – 4/5

Excellent features for the price.

Overall Score – 4.5/5

The Leupold Freedom works perfectly with the 450 Bushmaster despite its minor flaws.

What Customers Say

“I have this in a Ruger .450 American. It is sweet. After getting it sighted in I tested it out all the way to 300 yards the dial adjustments were on the money. I would highly recommend this to anyone. Great scope for the price.”

Nolan Emmer

“For 300 bucks it’s like looking through HD very good in low light.”

Wesley

FAQs

We really like the Vortex Optics Diamondback recommended above for most. But with the right budget or conditions, the other alternatives may work out better for you and your 450 Bushmaster.

What is the effective range of a 450 Bushmaster?

The 450 Bushmaster’s effective range is up to 200 yards. “If the firearm is zeroed at 150 yards, the user can expect to see a rise of 1.8 inches at 100 yards, zero at 150 yards, and a drop of 4.9 inches at 200 yards.”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.450_Bushmaster

Can you put a red dot on a 450 Bushmaster?

Definitely, putting a red dot on a 450 Bushmaster will help extend its range and increase its accuracy.

Is a 450 Bushmaster good for deer?

Yes! The 450 Bushmaster is used mostly for hunting deer.

Is 450 Marlin the same as 450 Bushmaster?

Ballistically, the 450 Marlin and the 450 Bushmaster are almost comparable. Their differences lie in the platforms they’re mostly used on. The 450 Bushmaster is intended for semi-automatic ARs, while the 450 Marlin is often mounted on lever-action rifles.

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Last update on 2024-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product API