Great Lakes Firearms AR-15 .450 Bushmaster 18" FDE 5-Round Rifle

The Great Lakes Firearms AR-15 .450 Bushmaster 18" FDE rifle is purpose-built for hunters who want serious stopping power in a compact, modern platform. Chambered in .450 Bushmaster, this semi-automatic rifle delivers heavy-hitting performance ideal for medium to large-game hunting, with the ergonomics and modularity of the AR platform. The 18-inch barrel keeps the gun handy in the field without sacrificing velocity, while the 5-round magazine capacity suits hunting applications where follow-up shots matter less than the first one counting.

Built on a 7075 aluminum upper and lower receiver, the Great Lakes rifle balances durability with weight—tipping the scales at just 6.4 lbs. The 15.25-inch free-float aluminum handguard sports full picatinny rails, giving you the flexibility to mount optics, lights, or other modern hunting gear exactly where you need it. The barrel is available in either 416R stainless steel or 4150 CRMOV with nitride finish, both chambered in the 1:24 twist ratio optimized for .450 Bushmaster. Cerakote finish protects the rifle against the elements, whether you're glassing from a blind or working through brush.

The rifle ships with one 5-round magazine, a muzzle brake designed for a 6-degree forward wrench fit (no Loctite required), and a mil-spec trigger breaking at 5.5–6 pounds. The mid-length gas system and 0.750 gas block help manage the cartridge's recoil, while modified M4 feed ramps ensure reliable feeding. No factory sights are installed, leaving the full picatinny rail clear for your optic of choice—essential for any serious hunting rifle. At 35 inches overall, this is a rifle that handles like an AR-15 while delivering hunting-class power.

Whether you're a .450 Bushmaster enthusiast stepping up to a modern platform or an AR builder exploring the cartridge's potential, this Great Lakes Firearms rifle gives you the foundation to do it right.

Key Features

• Semi-automatic .450 Bushmaster in compact 18-inch configuration
• 7075 aluminum receivers engineered for durability and weight savings
• Full picatinny rail handguard and upper for unrestricted optic and accessory mounting
• Choice of 416R stainless or 4150 CRMOV nitride barrel, 1:24 twist
• Cerakote finish resists rust and abrasion in field conditions
• Included muzzle brake with indexed 6-degree forward design
• Mil-spec ergonomics: polymer grip, 5.5–6 lb trigger, mid-length gas system
• Ships with one 5-round magazine and muzzle brake

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What optic mounting system does the Great Lakes .450 Bushmaster use?

The rifle features full picatinny rails on both the upper receiver and the 15.25-inch handguard, so it accepts any standard scope mount, red dot, or magnified optic without modifications. No iron sights are installed, leaving the rail clear for your choice of glass.

What is .450 Bushmaster good for?

The .450 Bushmaster is a potent cartridge developed for hunting medium to large game with an AR-15 platform. It delivers heavy bullet performance in a gun that handles and maintains like a familiar semi-automatic rifle, making it a strong choice for hunters who want rifle-class power in modern ergonomics.

What barrel material options are available?

Great Lakes offers this rifle with either a 416R stainless steel barrel or a 4150 CRMOV barrel with nitride finish. Both are chambered in the optimized 1:24 twist ratio for .450 Bushmaster and threaded 11/16 x 24 for the included muzzle brake.

Does this rifle come with magazines?

Yes, one 5-round magazine is included with the rifle. Additional magazines can be sourced separately if you need extras for your shooting sessions.