I recently shared my top picks for the best 223 scopes, so I wanted to put together a similar list for the best 450 Bushmaster scopes.
As any hunter will tell you, the 450 Bushmaster is a great round for big game hunting. It’s got the power to take down large animals, but it’s still manageable to shoot. And thanks to its design, it’s got great accuracy.
But, as with any round, the 450 Bushmaster is only as good as the scope you put on it. A bad scope can ruin a good hunt, but a great scope can make it even better.
That’s exactly what you’ll find here today—the best of the best for 450 Bushmaster shooters. These scopes can turn an average shooting experience into a great one, and they’ll help you make the most of your time in the field.
I know first-hand how aggravating it can be trying to sort through and narrow down all the different scope options that are available for various rifles. So to help you save some time and frustration, I went ahead and sorted my top picks by the best overall, best for short-range shooting, long-range shooting, etc.
A Short Preface
Before we get started, I always like to preface my reviews by stating how important it is to consider your own personal preferences. Yes, I have plenty of experience shooting and using various scopes.
I also try to spend a considerable amount of time with every scope I use so that I can give you the most comprehensive feedback possible.
That said, I’m not the be-all-end-all authority on what makes a great scope. My perspective is just one viewpoint, and my preferences might not align perfectly with yours. So while I think the scopes on this list are great, it’s still important that you do your own research and find the scope that works best for you.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get started with our list of the best scopes for 450 Bushmaster shooters. I’m confident that you’re really going to appreciate the entries that made the grade this time around.
So, What Makes a Good Scope for Bushmaster 450?
Glad you asked. If you’re familiar with my reviewing style, you know I base every scope on a set of criteria that never changes. If you’re new around these parts, I’ve got some pretty strict standards when it comes to judging the quality of a scope. So here are the most important factors that I consider:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: A good scope has to have great glass clarity. This is what allows you to see your target clearly, and it’s a make-or-break feature for me. The reticle is also important. It needs to be easy to see and use so that you can make accurate shots.
Parallax & Magnification: The parallax adjustment is a must-have feature, and the scope’s magnification needs to be appropriate for the game you’re hunting.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: These need to be easy to adjust and use so that you can make on-the-fly corrections.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: A good scope will have plenty of eye relief so that you don’t get eye fatigue, and a generous eye box will make it easier to find and maintain a good sight picture.
Durability: A scope needs to be able to withstand the elements and the recoil of a high-powered rifle.
Now that we’ve gone over what I look for in a great scope, let’s get to the good stuff. These are my top picks for the best scopes for 450 Bushmaster shooters.
The 3 Best Scopes for 450 Bushmaster
- Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24
- Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope – Overall Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster
Running away with my number one pick for the best rifle scope for 450 Bushmaster is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40. This scope has it all—great glass, a user-friendly reticle, and plenty of features that make it perfect for big game hunting.
I had an absolute blast with my time in the field using this scope. The glass clarity is some of the best I’ve ever seen, and the reticle is very user-friendly. I also really appreciate how easy it is to adjust the elevation and windage knobs.
If you’re like me, you want to know all about the nitty-gritty details before making a purchase. So, let’s start with the glass. The VX-Freedom uses Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System. This is designed to reduce glare and provide you with a clear sight picture no matter what time of day it is.
I can attest to the fact that this system works great. I’ve used the VX-Freedom in both low light and bright sunlight conditions, and I’ve never had any issues with seeing my target.
The only downside to this scope is that it’s on the pricey side. But in my opinion, it’s definitely worth the money. If you’re looking for the best of the best, the VX-Freedom is the scope for you.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
My first impression of the glass was that it was incredibly clear. I didn’t notice any distortion around the edges, and the image was bright and crisp. The reticle is a simple duplex style, and it’s easy to see against both light and dark backgrounds.
As I mentioned above, low-light settings don’t have any effect on the clarity of this scope. I was able to use it in some pretty dim conditions, and I never had any issues seeing my target.
And speaking of which, I absolutely love the incredible image quality when looking through the VX-Freedom. I went back and compared it to some of my other scopes, and I can safely say that it’s in a class of its own
Parallax & Magnification
The parallax adjustment on this scope is spot-on. I was able to make quick and easy adjustments, and I never had any issues with the image being out of focus. This is a big deal in my book, as the last thing you want is to have to constantly adjust your scope while you’re trying to take a shot.
As for the magnification, it’s great. I was able to use this scope for both close range and long-range shots, and it performed flawlessly in both situations. I think the 3-9x power range is perfect for most hunters, but if you’re looking for something with a little more punch, Leupold also offers a 4-12x power version of this scope. It’ll cost you to upgrade, so be warned.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage adjustment knobs on the VX-Freedom are very user-friendly. I was able to make quick and precise adjustments, which is a must when you’re trying to take down a big game animal.
I also really like the fact that Leupold includes a ballistic drop compensating reticle with this scope. This is a great feature for long-range shooters, as it takes the guesswork out of making elevation adjustments.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
I know for many of you, the quality of the eye relief and eye box are make-or-break factors when it comes to choosing a scope. I’m happy to report that the VX-Freedom doesn’t disappoint in this department.
I was able to get a full field of view without having to position my eye in just the right spot. And even when I did move my eye around a bit, I never lost sight of the picture. This is another big deal for me, as I often have to make quick shots when hunting in the field.
Durability
Leupold scopes are known for their durability, and the VX-Freedom is no exception. I’ve used this scope in all kinds of weather conditions, and it’s held up remarkably well. I’ve even dropped it a few times, and it still works like new.
Is the Leupold VX-Freedom Worth It?
If you’re looking for a scope that will stand up to the elements, the VX-Freedom is a great option. I enjoyed the clear glass, user-friendly knobs, and great eye relief. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but in my opinion, it’s worth the investment.
Pros
- Clear glass
- Precise parallax adjustment
- User-friendly elevation and windage adjustment knobs
- Ballistic drop compensating reticle
- Durable
Cons
- On the pricey side
2. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP – Best Vortex Scope for 450 Bushmaster
You probably already noticed that I’ve got more than one Vortex scope on this list. That’s because they make some really great scopes, and the Strike Eagle is one of their best.
This scope is designed for both short and long-range shooting, and it’s got the features to back up that claim. I can attest to its ability to make accurate shots at long range, and the glass is clear enough that I had no trouble seeing my target.
The reticle is also a big selling point for me. It’s easy to see and use, and it really comes in handy when you’re trying to make a quick shot. I used the Strike Eagle for both deer and coyote hunting, and it performed admirably in both situations.
The only downside is that the scope is on the heavy side. But if you can deal with a little extra weight, the Strike Eagle is definitely worth your consideration.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
As always, I’ll start with the glass clarity. And I have to say, I was really impressed with the Strike Eagle. The images were clear and sharp, and I had no trouble seeing my target.
The reticle was very easy for me to see and use. I found it to be very reliable, and it was a big help in making accurate shots.
Parallax & Magnification
The parallax adjustment on the Strike Eagle is very easy to use, and I had no problems getting it dialed in. The scope’s magnification is also impressive. It’s got a great range for both short and medium-range shooting.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs on the Strike Eagle are very easy to adjust, and I had no problems making on-the-fly corrections.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
This scope has plenty of eye relief, and I didn’t have any problems with eye fatigue. The eye box is also generous, and I had no trouble finding and maintaining a good sight picture.
Durability
The Strike Eagle is built like a tank. It’s made to withstand the elements and the recoil of a high-powered rifle. I had no issues with it during my testing, and I’m confident that it will hold up over time.
Is the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Worth It?
If you’re in the market for a scope that can do it all, the Strike Eagle is definitely worth your consideration. It’s got great glass, a reliable reticle, and it’s built like a tank. It’s a little on the heavy side, but it’s definitely worth the weight.
Pros
- Clear glass
- Reliable reticle
- Durable construction
- Generous eye relief and eye box
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricey
3. Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight – Best for Short Range Shooting
If you’re looking for a red dot sight that can handle the recoil of a 450 Bushmaster, the Vortex Optics Strikefire II is a great option. It’s built like a tank and can take a beating, and it’s got plenty of features that make it perfect for short-range shooting.
The Strikefire II has a 4 MOA red dot that’s easy to see in all lighting conditions, and it’s got 10 brightness settings so that you can adjust it to match your environment. It also has an impressive battery life, so you won’t have to worry about replacing the CR2 battery anytime soon.
The sight is also nitrogen purged and fog proof, so you won’t have to worry about the elements affecting your vision. And it’s covered by Vortex’s unlimited lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that it’s a quality piece of equipment.
I really appreciated the fact that Vortex offers an unlimited lifetime warranty on their products. It’s a great way to show that they stand behind their products and that they’re confident in their quality.
And during this scope’s time in the field, it held up well and never lost zero. I was really impressed with its performance, and I think it’s a great option for 450 Bushmaster shooters.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Vortex didn’t cut any corners when it comes to the glass on the Strikefire II. It’s clear and bright, and the red dot is easy to see. The reticle is also well designed and easy to use.
I will say that I was initially perplexed by the dot design, as it’s not a traditional reticle. Rather, it’s more star-shaped than anything. But after using it for a while, I found that it was actually quite easy to use.
Parallax & Magnification
The Strikefire II has a fixed parallax setting of 50 yards, which is fine for most short-range shooting applications. And the 1x magnification is perfect for close range target acquisition.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs on the Strikefire II are easy to adjust and use. They’re smooth and precise, and I never had any issues with them losing zero.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Strikefire II has an eye relief of 2.5 inches, which is plenty for most shooters. And the sight’s generous eye box makes it easy to find and maintain a good sight picture. You get unlimited eye relief, so you won’t have to worry about eye fatigue.
Durability
The Strikefire II is built to stand the test of time and more. It’s nitrogen purged and fog proof, and it can take a beating. I’ve dropped it, banged it up, and it’s still going strong.
Is the Vortex Optics Strikefire II Worth It?
I think it’s a great option. It’s durable, has a great warranty, and it’s easy to use. If you’re looking for a red dot sight for your 450 Bushmaster, the Strikefire II should be at the top of your list.
Pros
- Durable
- Nitrogen purged and fog proof
- Unlimited lifetime warranty
- Clear and bright glass
- Generous eye box
Cons
- Reticle might take getting used to
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new scope for your 450 Bushmaster, any of the scopes on this list would be a great choice. But if you’re looking for my top pick, I would recommend the Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope. It’s a great all-around scope that will serve you well whether you’re shooting at short or long range.
But if you’re trying to watch your budget and need a versatile scope for a great price, the Vortex Optics Strikefire II is a great option. It’s a high-quality scope that you can pick up for nearly half the cost of the VX-Freedom.
Jerry Miculek is one of the most versatile shooters in the world. Guns are what he does, and he knows it better than anybody else. You can learn more about Jerry on our About us page.