New Springfield Model 2020 Boundary Rifle Review

The resounding success of Springfield Armory’s Model 2020 Waypoint rifle came as no shock, building upon the company's lasting reputation of excellence and reliability. The Model 2020 custom-grade action, paired with a carbon fiber stock, TriggerTech trigger and a smorgasbord of other useful features, culminated in a precision instrument capable of delivering pinpoint accuracy both at the range and in the field. The old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies to the Waypoint.

However, Springfield’s newly released Model 2020 Boundary delivers the same level of precision and reliability as its predecessor while minimizing bulk and shaving weight, ideally situating itself for your backcountry adventures.

At first glance, the stark similarities between the Waypoint and Boundary are clear. The precision-manufactured Model 2020 action lies at the heart of both rifles, featuring dual locking lugs, a fluted bolt, a low-profile bolt stop and a 90-degree bolt throw. Having shot both rifles, I can confidently say that the Model 2020 displays the fit, feel and function of a custom-grade action.

Other noteworthy similarities between the two Model 2020 offerings include the use of a crisp, TriggerTech Trigger (easily adjustable from 2.5-5 lbs.), much appreciated Pachmayr Decelerator Recoil Pad, detachable Remington 700 Picatinny rail and a removable SA Radial Brake. The Waypoint and Boundary both offer shooters the option to choose between a fluted stainless-steel or BSF carbon fiber wrapped barrel.

Springfield also advertises the Model 2020 action delivering an impressive 1.9 millisecond trigger break to primer strike time. For comparison, they claim that speed outpaces their competitors by up to 45 percent.

Made for the Backcountry

The Waypoint is responsible for countless tags being punched since its inception and no one can deny its ability to excel at ringing steel or punching bug-hole sized groups into paper. For those looking to do both, the Waypoint is difficult to beat for a factory rifle. However, it can be a little on the heavy side for serious backcountry hunting and the detachable magazine can be problematic if and when a magazine is misplaced. Enter front and center stage Springfield’s new Model 2020 Boundary.

Despite their numerous similarities, the Boundary and Waypoint share two significant differences that transform the Boundary into a serious backcountry contender. The first, and most noticeable, difference between the two models is found within the sleek and traditional stock design of the new Boundary. Springfield stuck with a hand-laid carbon fiber stock from AG Composites but incorporated their classic Sportsman model into the new shooting iron. The result provides not only a more classic hunting rifle appearance but also shaves valuable ounces from the overall heft of the boom stick. The Boundary also features a hand-painted Rogue camo pattern laid over the carbon fiber stock.

The Boundary, chambered in 7 PRC and sporting the carbon fiber barrel, weighs 7 lbs. 2 oz. Throw a lightweight scope on top and a few rounds in the chamber and you have an overall rifle weight hovering just over 8 lbs. That weight disqualifies it for what most would consider a “featherweight.” However, it strikes a happy medium between shootability and packability, ideally situating itself to deliver precision blows at extended distances without weighing you down during the physical rigors the hunt often requires.

Springfield also swapped out the AICS magazines for an internal mag with a hinged floor plate. Depending on your personal preference, this can be seen as a pro or con. However, for a dedicated hunting rifle, I believe this is a valuable improvement. The reason being that it eliminates the ability to misplace a magazine in the field. Yes, it is unlikely, but I personally know of several instances when hunters have settled their crosshairs on an animal only to realize their magazine was unintentionally released or misplaced during the stalk, stranding them with a now single-shot rifle. That is never an issue with the internal magazine design of the new Boundary.

Range Results

Like the Waypoint, the Boundary carries a guaranteed .75 MOA guarantee, solidifying Springfields confidence in the performance of the rifle. Given my personal fondness of the Waypoint, I was more than anxious to get my hands on the new Boundary and put it through its paces.

I tested a carbon fiber barreled Boundary chambered in the ever-popular (with good reason) and extremely versatile 7mm PRC. The summer heat experienced in the high desert of Southern Idaho I call home is not ideal for accuracy testing due to the near impossibility of cooling barrels, but the Boundary still delivered advertised accuracy. Shooting Hornady’s 160 grain CX bullets loaded in their Outfitter line, the rifle stood on its accuracy guarantee, delivering multiple 3-shot groups that all hovered around right around .75 MOA. Hornady’s 175 grain ELD-X loads in the Precision Hunter line consistently grouped right around 1 MOA. Admittedly, I did shoot them second and the barrel was nearly impossible to cool, even giving it 10 minutes or more between shots.

After 16 years of applying and acquiring preference points, the great state of Wyoming finally decided to give me a premium elk tag this fall. The Boundary will perform across most hunting endeavors but, in my opinion, is made to excel on hunts such as this across the vast expanses of the West when high-stake hunts are on the line. After shooting it, there is no doubt the Boundary will be my rifle of choice on my highly anticipated hunt and, with a little luck, will deliver a precisely placed shot on an impressive bull.

Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary Specs

• Type: Bolt-Action
• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., 7mm Rem. Mag., 7 PRC (tested)
• Capacity: AICS-type Magazines, 5-round Magpul supplied
• Barrel: 24 in. (tested), Radial muzzle brake, BSF jacketed carbon fiber or fluted stainless steel
• Overal Length: 46 in.
• Weight: 7 lb., 2 oz. (tested)
• Stock: AG Composites carbon fiber, rogue camo
• Trigger: TriggerTech (adjustable from 2.5-5 lbs.)
• Sights: Picatinny rail
• MSRP: $2,175-$2,600
• Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
• Website: www.springfield-armory.com/

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