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New straight wall off-season project, need input

Bigterp

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So MD went to straightwall legal in shotgun counties. I’d like to get a 450 bushmaster or 350 legend setup. Here’s a few of my factors that have given me pause..... Most shots will be less than 150 yds. If it was just me it would be 450BM in AR platform but I think my daughter might really enjoy shooting the 350 legend. So I’m wondering if getting another Encore barrel makes sense. She’s already really familiar with the platform. I don’t have strong opinions either way & may end up with both...... thoughts??
 
If you already have an ar, all you really need is a 350 barrel, but building a whole upper would be better. If you don’t already have an ar, YOU NEED ONE! I’ve not shot the 350 but I’ve heard it’s a super easy shooter. 450 not so much.... I say buy both
 
Not a huge gun guy. But this applies to Michigan so I have looked into some. If your daughter is going to shoot it, I would go 350 legend. Everything I have read says it's a lot less kick and shoots flat. But. If your gonna build it into an AR platform, maybe you want to build it for the .45 raptor. From what I read they made it for the AR platform. Food for thought.
 
If you already have an ar, all you really need is a 350 barrel, but building a whole upper would be better. If you don’t already have an ar, YOU NEED ONE! I’ve not shot the 350 but I’ve heard it’s a super easy shooter. 450 not so much.... I say buy both
I do not have an AR yet, which was part of why I was leaning that way.... I was on the fence about my daughter from a safety aspect with a 350 in AR vs. Encore. But she’s almost 17 & really solid in gun safety. Maybe it would be a fun project for the both of us......
 
I do not have an AR yet, which was part of why I was leaning that way.... I was on the fence about my daughter from a safety aspect with a 350 in AR vs. Encore. But she’s almost 17 & really solid in gun safety. Maybe it would be a fun project for the both of us......
Nothing safer than an AR. Adjustable, low recoil, easy to shoot for any body type, just follow the four rules and nothing can go wrong
 
I picked up a 350 AR upper from Palmetto State Armory earlier this year, along with some 5 round mags to stay MI legal. Already have a lower built with the trigger and other things I like, very happy with it all so far. Shot a doe a few weeks back with it and zipped her right through the heart. Never shot the 450 so sorry can't comment on recoil difference. Most 450s I've seen looks like they have a big muzzle brake on the end, probably harsh on the ears.
 
I do not have an AR yet, which was part of why I was leaning that way.... I was on the fence about my daughter from a safety aspect with a 350 in AR vs. Encore. But she’s almost 17 & really solid in gun safety. Maybe it would be a fun project for the both of us......

AR's are extremely safe... think of the millions of people who have learned to shoot by shooting that platform in basic training. You can also run a quality stock that is quickly and solidly adjustable for both you and your daughter. The gas system will also eat a little recoil.


Build a real nice lower and then have multiple uppers to suit your desires. :)
 
If I was buying specifically for deer hunting it would be a ruger American ranch in 350 legend. Super compact platform for a saddlehunter. It’s also about the only ammo I’ve seen on the shelf with any regularity.
 
If I was buying specifically for deer hunting it would be a ruger American ranch in 350 legend. Super compact platform for a saddlehunter. It’s also about the only ammo I’ve seen on the shelf with any regularity.

350 Legend should be more popular than it is.
 
I have a ar 350. Its sweet and my daughter loves it. She says shooting it is simple and she got her first deer this yr with it. The stock is adjustable, fits us both.
 
If I was buying specifically for deer hunting it would be a ruger American ranch in 350 legend. Super compact platform for a saddlehunter. It’s also about the only ammo I’ve seen on the shelf with any regularity.
Wish I’d have bought the barrel we discussed last year....... now you can’t get your hands on one..
 
I have a Davidson Defense .450 bushmaster upper on a relatively generic Stags Arms lower. I planned on putting a Vortex Hog Hunter on it but it just turned out too heavy after I mounted it. The recoil is about that of a 20gauge slug from what I can tell. Mine has a muzzle brake so be sure your hearing protection is on when you shoot it. I like it but need a lighter optic for this or I may go to a red dot. You can buy a fully assembled upper for like $350. I haven't hunted with it yet but I think I will like it overall when I get everything dialed in. I've heard good about the .350 legend and not the recoil of the .450BM.
 
The 450 is fairly mild to shoot as long as it isn't a 5 lb gun. It makes a big bang is all. Our 12 yo's are shooting them.

The short Ruger ranch requires ear protection for sure. Both calibers are loud.
 
and I ask because Illinois may finally go straight wall legal this year -- if they do I would want to get a "saddle friendly" setup.

thx!
 
I love the 450, and killed deer with it, but it’s punishing to the ears. Mine had a brake, which helped with recoil, especially in precarious saddle positions, but WAY to loud. Removal of the brake did help, some but not enough, and recoil increased. The 350 has great whitetail killing characteristics and a heck of a lot less recoil. Another plus is ammo cost and availability seems to be better with the 350. I seem to find it in a lot of stores when shelves are mostly empty. Just my two cents....
 
350 has more issues with not cycling correctly in the AR platform.

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