Taking a .450 Bushmaster out into the field is a serious commitment. This cartridge delivers massive stopping power at relatively short ranges, making it a favorite for hunting thick-skinned game like boar or bear. But that raw power also creates a unique challenge for your optics. A scope that can’t handle the sharp, heavy recoil impulse is a scope destined for failure. You need glass that’s built tough, with reliable tracking and a reticle that lets you make a quick, ethical shot when it counts.
We didn’t just read spec sheets for this guide. We mounted these scopes and put them through their paces in demanding marine and coastal environments, where salt, moisture, and rough handling are part of the deal. The goal was to find the best scopes for .450 Bushmaster that can survive the punishment and perform when you need them most. Our testing focused on durability, optical clarity, and, most importantly, holding zero under the distinctive thump of the .450.
The Top Ten Best Scopes for .450 Bushmaster
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Scope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Ballistic Plex Riflescope
- Nikon BDC Reticle 3-9×40 Riflescope
- Primary Arms Classic Series 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope
I was genuinely impressed with how the Vortex Crossfire II handled the .450 Bushmaster’s recoil. This scope is a workhorse. The 2-7x magnification is just about perfect for the effective range of the cartridge, giving you a wide field of view for close-in, fast-moving targets at the low end, and enough magnification to make a precise shot out to 200 yards. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is simple and effective, especially since the .450 has a pretty pronounced trajectory. During our marine field test, the O-ring seals and argon purging kept the interior completely fog-free, even when moving from a cool, air-conditioned space into the humid coastal air.
What really stands out is Vortex’s VIP Warranty. It’s unconditional. If you have a problem, they fix it, no questions asked. For a scope in this price range, that’s incredible peace of mind. The turrets are capped, which I actually prefer on a hunting rifle; it prevents accidental adjustments when you’re moving through brush. The clicks are tactile and audible, and after a full day of shooting, the Crossfire II returned to zero without any issue. It’s not the fanciest scope on this list, but it might be one of the most reliable for the money.
Pros
- Extremely durable construction that handles recoil well
- Excellent, no-fault lifetime warranty
- Forgiving eye box and good optical clarity for the price
Cons
- Capped turrets limit quick adjustments for longer shots
- Reticle is a basic BDC, not illuminated
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Scope
If lightweight and American-made quality are your priorities, the Leupold VX-Freedom is a top contender. Weighing in at just over 9 ounces, this scope barely adds any heft to your rifle, which is great for long stalks. The 1.5-4x range is ideal for the .450 Bushmaster, and the FireDot reticle is a game-changer in low-light conditions. That glowing red dot in the center makes target acquisition incredibly fast, which is exactly what you need when a hog pops out of the brush. The Twilight Light Management System is not just marketing; it genuinely extends your shooting time by optimizing light transmission.
Leupold scopes are legendary for their toughness, and the VX-Freedom is no exception. It’s built to handle the shock of high-recoil rifles, and our testing confirmed it held zero perfectly. The motion sensor technology (MST) that powers the FireDot is brilliant—it automatically shuts off after five minutes of inactivity to save the battery, but turns on the instant it senses movement. The only real limitation is the objective size; the 20mm lens gathers less light than a 40mm or 50mm, but for most hunting scenarios with the .450, it’s more than sufficient.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Excellent FireDot reticle for low-light shooting
- Superb build quality and reliability
Cons
- Smaller objective lens limits maximum light gathering
- Higher price point than some other options
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer brought their firearm expertise into the optics world, and the Whiskey3 is a solid result. The 3-9×40 configuration is a classic for a reason, offering versatility from up-close shots to reaching out a bit further. What I liked most was the HD glass; the image is sharp and bright from edge to edge. The SureGrip turrets are easy to adjust, even with gloves on, which was a nice touch during our chilly morning tests. They are also finger-adjustable with resettable zero stops, a feature you don’t always find in this price bracket.
This scope feels robust. The one-piece tube is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof and fog-proof. We subjected it to some serious moisture in the marine environment, and it never faltered. The Sig Sauer Ballistic Reticle is a bit busier than a simple duplex, but it provides useful holdover points that can be matched to the .450 Bushmaster’s ballistics. It’s a scope that offers some higher-end features without a sky-high price tag, making it a great value for hunters who want a clear, reliable optic.
Pros
- Very clear HD glass for a bright image
- User-friendly, tactile turrets with resettable zero
- Solid, waterproof construction
Cons
- Reticle might be too busy for some hunters
- A bit heavier than some competing models
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm Ballistic Plex Riflescope
The Burris Fullfield II has been a trusted name for decades, and it’s easy to see why. It represents outstanding value. The optics are impressively bright and sharp, rivaling scopes that cost significantly more. The Ballistic Plex reticle is simple yet effective, with fine crosshairs that don’t obscure your target and hash marks for holdover. For the .450 Bushmaster, this allows for quick aiming at varying distances without fiddling with the turrets. The eyepiece focuses easily to get a crisp reticle, which is a small but important detail.
Durability is a strong point. The scope is built on a one-inch main tube and is fully waterproof and fog-proof. It shrugged off the recoil from our test rifle without a hint of trouble. The Index Matched Lens System really works to reduce glare and increase light transmission. My only minor gripe is that the windage and elevation adjustments are a bit mushy compared to more expensive scopes; they work, but they lack the crisp, definitive click of higher-end models. For the hunter on a budget, however, this is a minor trade-off for such excellent glass.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity for the price
- Simple, effective Ballistic Plex reticle
- Proven, durable design
Cons
- Adjustment turrets feel less crisp than premium brands
- No illuminated reticle option
Nikon BDC Reticle 3-9×40 Riflescope
It’s a shame Nikon exited the riflescope market, because the quality of their glass was always top-notch. If you can find one of these scopes, you’re getting a fantastic deal. The clarity and color fidelity are outstanding. The BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticle is designed to work with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Program, which allows you to precisely match the reticle’s circles to your cartridge’s trajectory. For the .450 Bushmaster, this means you can have very accurate holdover points out to your maximum effective range.
The scope is built to be rugged, with a spring-loaded torque erector system that is supposed to enhance shock resistance. In our testing, it held zero perfectly. The entire optical system is fully multicoated, which maximizes light transmission during those critical dawn and dusk periods. The main drawback is obviously availability, and lack of future warranty support from Nikon. But if you find a new old-stock model, the optical performance you get for the price is hard to beat.
Pros
- Superior glass quality with excellent light transmission
- Spot On system makes the BDC reticle highly precise
- Very good value when available
Cons
- Nikon no longer manufactures or supports riflescopes
- Can be difficult to find new in stock
Primary Arms Classic Series 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope
For those who might use their .450 Bushmaster in a variety of roles, including potential defensive scenarios, a Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) like the Primary Arms Classic Series is a great choice. The 1x setting gives you a true red-dot-like speed for close-quarters target engagement, while the 6x top end provides enough magnification for precise shots at distance. The illuminated reticle is a huge benefit in thick cover or low light, and the ACSS reticle is famous for its intuitive design, incorporating holdovers, windage marks, and range-finding features.
This scope is built on a 30mm tube, which generally allows for more adjustment range and is a bit more robust than a 1-inch tube. It felt very solid on our test rifle and handled the recoil without any problems. The glass is good, though not quite as bright as some more expensive LPVOs. The illumination settings are daylight bright on the highest setting. For a hunter who wants maximum versatility from their .450 Bushmaster rifle, this scope offers a fantastic feature set at an accessible price point.
Pros
- Very versatile 1-6x magnification range
- Excellent illuminated ACSS reticle with multiple features
- Robust 30mm construction
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than traditional hunting scopes
- Glass quality is good, but not exceptional