New Springfield Model 2020 Waypoint Rifle is a Must-See

Gun enthusiast around the world know Springfield Armory as a manufacturers of high-quality handguns and carbines, many of which are the first choice of military and law enforcement agencies. Springfield’s firearms are well known for their reliability, but until now, hunters could only dream about taking that kind of accuracy into the field. Today, Springfield Armory announced their first foray into the hunting market with their Model 2020 bolt-action rifle.

“The Model 2020 has arrived and marks a new dawn for modern bolt-action rifles from Springfield Armory,” said Dennis Reese, chief executive officer of Springfield Armory. “It sets the standard for precision manufacturing, performance and accuracy from a premium, American-made rifle.”

There is no doubt that the hunting rifle market has migrated toward the precision end of the spectrum, and the 2020 Waypoint is a clear example of that. But, instead of big, heavy long guns many precision-rifle makers are building, the idea behind the 2020 was to provide that precision and shootability without the unnecessary weight and bulk.

One of the most notable features, and one that helps shave a lot of weight, was the incorporation of a unique barrel construction of 416 stainless steel with a carbon fiber jacket. The barrel is fluted before being encased in carbon fiber, allowing space and airflow beneath the sheath. Unlike traditional carbon-fiber wrapped barrels that can actually hold-in heat, this design dissipates it. Since this method doesn’t require the use of resins, it also cuts weight. Barrels are threaded at the muzzle and come fit with an effective but removeable brake.

As for the action, Springfield Armory followed in the footsteps of many custom-rifle makers by using a variant of the venerable Remington 700 action. The 2020’s action shares the 700’s basic footprint, but is functionally different in several meaningful ways. The biggest improvement here is the cone breech, which will be familiar to aficionados of the pre-64 Winchester Model 70. The cone breech effectively creates a feed ramp that allows cartridges to flow smoothly into the chamber. Coupled with a single-column detachable magazine, this is a recipe for very smooth and reliable feeding.

These actions are built on modern CNC machines capable of creating repeatable precision. This means that the actions don’t have to be trued or blueprinted in order to achieve maximum accuracy, they are simply built right the first time.

The hunter-friendly stock features a carbon-fiber construction that reduces weight, yet remains rigid enough to soak every last ounce of accuracy out of the receiver/barrel combination. It’s available with either an adjustable or non-adjustable stock. A flat forend is fitted with M-LOK attachment points at the 9 o’clock position for easy addition of a premium bipod.

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Springfield Armory didn’t scrimp when it came to the hunter interface either, installing a crisp, adjustable TriggerTech Field trigger. A single hex screw allows the end-user to adjust the pull weight, though our test model came pulling at a clean 3 ½ lbs. In our opinion that’s the perfect weight for a hunting rifle.

The Model 2020 will be offered in a few different variants, but its introductory offering – the Waypoint, is available in four popular cartridges: Creedmoor; .308; 6.5 Creemoor and 6.5 PRC.

Look for a full-review of the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint in the November 2020 issue of Petersen’s Hunting, and look for in the field as several of our staff will be taking the Waypoint hunting this fall.