Christensen Arms' Evoke line of rifles generated a lot of buzz among hunters when it was first introduced in 2024. As our friends at Shooting Illustrated wrote, "The Evoke line, an all-new suite of rifles designed to provide both beginner and seasoned shooters with a versatile, feature-rich entry point into the lineup of Christensen Arms’ legendary rifles."
Although it was initially offered in a wide range of hunting-ready centerfire calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Rem. Mag., and .308 Win., hunters clamored for more. Specifically, for an Evoke rifle chambered in a big-game-appropriate straight-wall cartridge.
That's because the straight-wall design has recently been legalized for hunters to use in areas previously restricted to shotguns and muzzleloaders in states such as Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, and Indiana. The point is to enhance safety in densely populated areas while still providing ample power to ethically harvest whitetail deer.
Today, we've learned that there's a new Evoke, shipping now, chambered in the powerful .450 Bushmaster cartridge. This exciting addition to the Evoke line brings cutting-edge design and performance to hunters, particularly in states where straight-wall cartridges are now legal for whitetail deer hunting.
The Evoke line features 416R stainless steel #4 contour precision barrels with a Cerakote finish. The end of the barrel boasts an RFR muzzle brake and is threaded for use with other muzzle devices. The three-lug bolts inside the proprietary action have a 60-degree throw for fast cycling, and the TriggerTech trigger is adjustable for weight. There is a section of Picatinny rail on top of the receiver for mounting an optic, and the magazine is detachable for fast reloads.
“The Evoke rifle in .450 Bushmaster from Christensen Arms is a dream come true for hunters,” said Shane Meisel, VP of Marketing for Christensen Arms. “Its ergonomic design and pinpoint accuracy paired with the hard-hitting .450 Bushmaster cartridge make it a perfect fit for the whitetail woods, especially in states where straight-wall rounds open new opportunities. This rifle is going to change the game for a lot of hunters out there.”
The .450 Bushmaster features a straight-wall case design with a rebated rim, a bullet diameter of .452", and a case length of 1.7". This configuration delivers impressive stopping power, with a 250-grain bullet achieving a muzzle velocity of 2,200 fps and 1,879 ft-lbs of energy, making it ideal for medium to large game like whitetail deer and black bear. MSRPs start at $898.99; ChristensenArms.com.
