Let’s Talk About Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel
The Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel rifle is a modern take on the classic ranch rifle concept, chambered in the potent 450 Bushmaster cartridge. It’s designed for hunters and shooters seeking a compact, accurate, and hard-hitting platform for medium to large game. Ruger has a long history of producing reliable firearms, and the American Ranch series aims to bring that legacy to a more accessible price point.
I was looking for a dedicated deer rifle for hunting in thick brush. The 450 Bushmaster’s reputation for delivering devastating short-range stopping power appealed to me. Plus, I wanted a rifle that was maneuverable and wouldn’t break the bank.
Unboxing the Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel, the initial impression was of a no-nonsense, utilitarian firearm. The matte black finish on the steel gives it a subdued, almost tactical appearance. The rifle felt solid and well-built, though the polymer stock immediately made it clear this was not a high-end piece of craftsmanship.
Compared to a similar AR-15 pistol build in 450 Bushmaster, the Ruger offered a more traditional rifle feel and a lower price point. I also considered a Henry single-shot 450 Bushmaster, but the Ruger’s detachable magazine and bolt-action system offered more flexibility. Ultimately, the Ruger’s combination of power, accuracy, and affordability won me over.
I was cautiously optimistic. The 450 Bushmaster is known for its recoil, and I was curious to see how well the Ruger platform handled it. The rifle felt promising, but the true test would be at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel at my local shooting range. The weather was clear and cool, perfect conditions for sighting in a new rifle. I set up targets at 50 and 100 yards to get a feel for the rifle’s accuracy.
The recoil was substantial, as expected from the 450 Bushmaster cartridge, but manageable. After a few rounds, I started to get used to it. The rifle was surprisingly accurate, with consistent groupings at 100 yards once I adjusted the scope.
The only initial issue I encountered was with the magazine. It sometimes required a firm push to seat properly, and I experienced one failure to feed in the first 20 rounds. I cleaned and lubed the magazine, which seemed to help.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel has proven to be a reliable and accurate rifle. It has accompanied me on several deer hunts, where it has performed admirably in various weather conditions. It handled light rain and cold temperatures without any issues.
The finish has held up well, with no noticeable wear or scratches. Cleaning the rifle is straightforward, as the bolt is easily removed for access to the barrel. The polymer stock is durable and easy to wipe down after a day in the field.
Compared to my previous experience with a 30-30 lever action, the Ruger 450 Bushmaster offers significantly more range and stopping power. While the recoil is greater, the increased performance makes it a worthwhile trade-off.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel
Specifications
The Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel features the following specifications:
- Caliber: 450 Bushmaster.
- Finish: Matte Black.
- Fabric/Material: Steel.
- Hand: Right.
These specifications are important because they define the rifle’s primary purpose and capabilities. The 450 Bushmaster caliber is designed for short to medium-range hunting of large game. The matte black finish provides corrosion resistance and reduces glare.
Performance & Functionality
The Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel excels in its intended role as a short-range deer rifle. Its accuracy is impressive, capable of consistently grouping shots within 2 inches at 100 yards with quality ammunition. The bolt-action system is smooth and reliable.
The main strength of this rifle is its stopping power. The 450 Bushmaster cartridge delivers tremendous energy on impact, ensuring quick and humane kills on deer and other game animals. The weakness, as mentioned earlier, is the recoil, which can be significant for inexperienced shooters.
The rifle exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and reliability, especially considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel features a simple, functional design. The polymer stock is lightweight and durable, providing a comfortable grip. The rifle is relatively compact, making it easy to carry in the field.
The rifle is user-friendly, with an intuitive bolt-action system and a crisp trigger pull. The only minor learning curve is getting used to the magazine, which can be a bit finicky.
Durability & Maintenance
The Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel is built to last. The steel barrel and action are durable and corrosion-resistant. The polymer stock is virtually indestructible.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication after each use. The rifle is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel comes with a standard scope rail, allowing for easy mounting of optics. There are no iron sights.
The rifle is compatible with various aftermarket accessories, including different stocks, triggers, and muzzle brakes. The most popular accessory is a good quality scope, which is essential for maximizing the rifle’s accuracy. Aftermarket magazines are available, but reliability can vary. I highly recommend sticking with Ruger factory magazines.
Pros and Cons of Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel
Pros
- Exceptional stopping power with the 450 Bushmaster cartridge.
- Excellent accuracy for a rifle in this price range.
- Durable and weather-resistant construction.
- Affordable price point.
- Compact and maneuverable design.
Cons
- Significant recoil, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters.
- Magazine can be finicky and may require some adjustments.
- No iron sights included.
Who Should Buy Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel?
The Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel is perfect for hunters seeking a reliable and powerful rifle for short to medium-range hunting of deer, hogs, and other medium to large game. It’s also a good choice for individuals looking for a capable rifle for home defense in rural areas where over-penetration is less of a concern.
This rifle is not recommended for beginners due to the significant recoil. Individuals sensitive to recoil or those primarily shooting at longer ranges should also consider other options.
Must-have accessories include a good quality scope with appropriate magnification for the intended hunting range, a comfortable sling for carrying the rifle in the field, and high-quality ear protection.
Conclusion on Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel
The Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel is a solid and reliable rifle that delivers excellent performance at an affordable price. While the recoil can be challenging, the stopping power and accuracy of the 450 Bushmaster cartridge make it a formidable hunting tool.
The price is definitely justified, considering the rifle’s capabilities and durability. It offers excellent value for money compared to other rifles in the same caliber.
I would definitely recommend the Ruger 90641 American Ranch 450 Bushmaster Matte Black Steel to anyone looking for a powerful and accurate short-range hunting rifle. If you’re ready to tame the recoil and embrace the power of the 450 Bushmaster, this rifle won’t disappoint. Go ahead and pull the trigger on this beast – you won’t regret it!