July 25, 2023
By Joe Ferronato
In 2020, Springfield Armory made a splash in the hunting world with the release of the Model 2020 Waypoint bolt-action rifle. The comfortable platform and the inherent accuracy made it one of my favorites to hunt with and the rifle quickly earned a spot in my safe.
Springfield is now expanding the Model 2020 line with the recent release of the Redline lightweight backcountry rifle, proving yet again the company is dedicated to precision bolt-action hunting rifles. Today, the line continues its expansion with two tack-driving .22s. The Model 2020 Rimfire come in two platforms: a Target model and a Classic—or as I would refer to it, a field model—fitted with a gorgeous walnut stock.
Fit and Function Upon receipt of these two rifles, I quickly was impressed with both—though each had a distinct feel for different intended uses. The polymer stock of the Target model is comfortable with a long forend and raised comb. At first touch, the platform feels like a rifle that would perform well on the bench. I knew the second I touched it the Model 2020 would serve as a precision trainer.
At first glance, the Classic model screams tradition. The Turkish walnut stock—which comes in grade A, AA or AAA options—is satin finished that feels just as good as looks. This .22 will be at home on any squirrel hunt as its precision will knock down cagey bushy tails from treetops with ease, all while being the envy of your hunting partners.
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The bolt for both platforms is 4140 Steel with a high-polish white chrome coating, and designed with a 60-degree throw angle. It functions smoothly and feeds well from the 10-round SA rotary magazine. The magazine release is extended on the Target model and sits just forward of the trigger guard. On the Classic, the magazine release is found in the same position, but it is flush against the stock and is operable with the trigger finger. It is intuitive and comfortable while keeping the traditional look intact.
Both platforms are fitted with an adjustable Remington 700-style trigger group. The trigger breaks cleanly allowing for consistent and repeatable shots. Barrel length is 20 inches on both models. The Classic features a sporter contour while the Target has a heavy profile straight taper. Both are matte blued and feature 1:16 barrel twists. I’d be remiss not to mention the Target’s barrel is threaded 1/2x28 for the addition of a suppressor or brake.
Both rifles are designed for accuracy and the company offers a 1-inch accuracy guarantee with three shot groups at 50 yards. My initial shots from both rifles, using CCI Mini Mag Hollow Point 36-grain varmint rounds, fell well within the promised performance.
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Each rifle stock is fitted with the sling swivel studs to allow for the attachment of accessories. Personally, I like my rifles fitted with bipods to help with stable shooting positions rather than attaching a sling; the platform easily accepts various styles.
Bare weight of both rifles is reasonable. The Classic weighs in at 6 pounds, 3 ounces while the Target, with the heavy barrel, weighs in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces.
On the Bench and In the Field There are many reasons I enjoy shooting .22s: the lack of recoil helps train trigger control, and no one can get mad at the fact you can burn ammo without feeling your wallet getting progressively lighter. On the bench, both rifles performed exceptionally.
The Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic model brought me back to days of my youth. The satin finished walnut reminded me of traditional guns that I grew up shooting. Topped with a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 scope, it is a simple setup that will prove to be deadly on any small-game hunt. The rifle fits well and produced consistent groups at fifty yards that fell well within the company’s guarantee for accuracy. I was impressed.
The Target also proved to be very impressive. I fitted the rifle with a Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 FI with the company’s MOA-XT reticle. This first-focal-plane scope is a top performer for precision. I agree that scope is probably overkill on a .22, but I wanted to see just how precise this could get. The MOA-XT reticle within the NX8 offers stadia lines for accurate holds at a variety of distances and wind calls. For anyone looking for precision in the MOA platform, this new reticle can be a game changer.
The Target offered phenomenal groupings, repeatedly putting shots in the same hole. This isn’t to say that Classic is incapable of the same performance, but the Target fit me better and being a decent shooter, I find the fit of a rifle to greatly improve my accuracy. The raised comb and exaggerated pistol-grip made me rock solid behind the trigger.
After spending some time zeroing the guns on the bench, I decided to take them to the field to help with the overpopulation of ground squirrels wreaking havoc on the family farm. Both guns carried well and operated easily. With improvised shooting positions on fence posts, I was able to knock down a handful of the burrowing aggressors with ease. Shots were mostly sub-50 yards, but when stretching the distance with the Target, estimating holds, I found that the rifle carries its accuracy well down range. With more time and study of the ballistics paired with the NX8, I am confident 100+-yard, first-round impacts on small targets are very doable.
Springfield did a great job creating these new .22s. Whether you are looking for a precision platform to practice for PRS competitions, or even get involved in precision rimfire circuits, or hunt varmints with extreme accuracy, the Target is a great choice at an affordable price; $434-$499 depending on stock finish.
If you’re looking for a sporter for chasing down bushytails in the hardwoods, the Classic will do it with ultimate precision all while catching the eye of onlookers. It would also make a great heirloom piece for passing down to young hunters just getting into the lifestyle—and they don’t break the bank $529-$1,099 depending on grade of walnut.
