First Impressions of Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel
The Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel promised a potent combination of accuracy and stopping power for my AR-15 platform. As a seasoned outdoorsman and tactical gear enthusiast, the prospect of extending my AR-15’s capabilities into larger game hunting and short-range stopping power scenarios intrigued me. I had high hopes that this barrel would transform my trusty AR into a versatile tool.
I’ve been chasing a reliable and accurate big-bore AR barrel for hunting whitetail in thick brush. The .450 Bushmaster caliber seemed like the perfect solution, but finding a barrel that balanced quality with affordability was a challenge.
The Hitman Industries barrel arrived well-packaged. The black nitride finish looked clean and professional, and the barrel felt solid in my hands. Compared to other budget-friendly barrels I’ve handled, the Hitman Industries barrel had a noticeably better initial impression; it just felt right. I’d considered a Bear Creek Arsenal barrel but had concerns about their long-term durability. I also looked at a more expensive Wilson Combat barrel, but I wanted to find a more affordable solution for my AR build. I was cautiously optimistic, but definitely excited to get this barrel installed and hit the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, under mostly clear skies. I paired the Hitman Industries barrel with a quality bolt carrier group and a robust muzzle brake designed for large-caliber AR platforms. After sighting it in at 50 yards, the rifle proved surprisingly accurate, punching tight groups within 1.5 inches. I experienced no cycling issues with the setup, feeding rounds without any hiccups; that was a welcomed surprise.
However, the .450 Bushmaster round generates significant recoil, even with a muzzle brake. Proper stance and grip were crucial to maintain control during rapid follow-up shots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hitman Industries barrel has proven its reliability. I’ve put roughly 300 rounds through it, and there are no visible signs of wear or degradation to the nitride finish. Maintenance has been straightforward. The barrel cleans easily with standard AR-15 cleaning tools and solvents.
Compared to a previous .458 SOCOM upper I owned, the .450 Bushmaster offers a flatter trajectory and is more readily available and affordable, making it more practical for frequent shooting. The Hitman Industries barrel helped deliver on these improvements.
Breaking Down the Features of Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel
Specifications
The Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel boasts several key specifications:
- Caliber: .450 Bushmaster This large-bore cartridge delivers significant energy on target, suitable for hunting medium to large game.
- Barrel Length: 16 inches A good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
- Barrel Profile: Government The Government profile provides a good balance of weight and rigidity.
- Gas System Length: Carbine Length Allows for reliable cycling with a wide variety of .450 Bushmaster ammunition.
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1-24 Optimized for stabilizing .450 Bushmaster projectiles.
- Material: 4150 CrMoV A durable and heat-resistant steel alloy.
- Finish: Nitride Provides excellent corrosion resistance and a smooth surface.
These specifications are not just numbers; they translate directly to real-world performance, offering a blend of accuracy, reliability, and durability necessary for a hard-use barrel. The 1-24 twist rate helps stabilize the large .450 bullets, improving accuracy at extended ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Hitman Industries barrel performed admirably, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable cycling. At 100 yards, I consistently achieved groupings around 2-2.5 inches with Hornady Black ammunition, which is more than adequate for my intended hunting applications. The carbine-length gas system ensured reliable function across a range of bullet weights.
One minor weakness is the increased recoil compared to standard AR calibers. This is inherent to the .450 Bushmaster round but manageable with proper technique and a good muzzle brake. Overall, it met and slightly exceeded my expectations for an affordable .450 Bushmaster barrel.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hitman Industries barrel’s Government profile strikes a good balance between weight and handling. The 4150 CrMoV steel gives it a robust feel without making the rifle overly cumbersome. The black nitride finish not only enhances durability but also gives the barrel a sleek, professional look.
The design is standard AR-15 compatible, making installation straightforward for anyone familiar with AR platform builds. There’s no significant learning curve; it’s a drop-in upgrade that immediately improves the rifle’s capabilities.
Durability & Maintenance
The nitride finish on the Hitman Industries barrel contributes significantly to its durability. After months of use and cleaning, the finish shows no signs of wear or corrosion. Cleaning the barrel is relatively simple, requiring only standard AR-15 cleaning supplies and a bore brush.
Given the quality of materials and finish, I expect this barrel to provide many years of reliable service with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hitman Industries barrel is compatible with all standard AR-15 components. This allows for a wide range of customization options. I added a Lantac Dragon muzzle brake to further reduce recoil and muzzle rise.
The barrel extension is compatible with any AR-15 upper receiver. A free-float handguard enhances accuracy by eliminating pressure on the barrel. The .450 Bushmaster is compatible with standard AR-15 magazines with modified followers, making it easy to adapt existing magazines.
Pros and Cons of Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel
Pros
- Excellent Value: Offers outstanding performance for its price point.
- Accurate: Capable of producing tight groupings at reasonable distances.
- Durable: The Nitride finish and 4150 CrMoV steel ensure long-lasting performance.
- Reliable Cycling: The carbine-length gas system provides reliable function with various loads.
- Easy Installation: A drop-in upgrade for any standard AR-15.
Cons
- Increased Recoil: The .450 Bushmaster cartridge inherently generates significant recoil.
- Limited Range: The .450 Bushmaster is best suited for short to medium-range applications.
Who Should Buy Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel?
The Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel is perfect for hunters seeking a powerful and accurate AR-15 platform for close-range hunting of deer, hogs, and other medium to large game. It is also well-suited for individuals wanting a potent defensive carbine.
Those primarily interested in long-range shooting or recoil-sensitive individuals should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality muzzle brake to mitigate recoil. A red dot optic or low-powered variable optic (LPVO) further enhances its close-quarters effectiveness.
Conclusion on Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel
The Hitman Industries AR-15 .450 Bushmaster Government Rifle Barrel exceeded my expectations. It delivers impressive accuracy, reliability, and durability at a very reasonable price. The .450 Bushmaster caliber transforms an AR-15 into a formidable short-to-medium range platform for hunting or defense.
The price is definitely justified, considering the improved performance and versatility it brings to the AR platform. I wholeheartedly recommend this barrel to anyone looking to build a .450 Bushmaster AR-15 without breaking the bank. Upgrade your AR-15 today and experience the stopping power of the .450 Bushmaster!