First Impressions: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint Hunting Rifle

Springfield Armory has long been known for their top-quality M1A rifles, as well as their defensive handguns and AR-15-style rifles. There was always one product type missing from their lineup--hunting rifles. As of September 29, all of that has changed as Springfield springs into the hunting fields. They've just introduced a new series of hunting rifles, dubbed the Springfield Model 2020, and the very first rifle in the line is the Waypoint. This bolt-action beauty is making Springfield history in many ways, but one thing will be familiar to Springfield fans: the very reasonable price tag.

Make no mistake, this is a purpose-built hunting rifle with features that go well beyond the hand-painted Ridgeline or Evergreen camo stock. Designed for the most demanding hunters, the Model 2020 Waypoint boasts light weight and rugged durability courtesy of a hand-laid and pillar-bedded 100 percent carbon fiber stock. Available in both adjustable and standard configurations, the stock features five QD mounts for versatile carry and M-Lok slots for mounting bipods and accessories.

In addition, a free-floated carbon fiber sleeved barrel sports subsurface fluting that reduces weight and provides cooling channels to promote cold bore to warm bore repeatability so you can shoot all day for the same accuracy results. And by accuracy results, Springfield means a .75-inch MOA accuracy guarantee...a level of precision you normally only see from custom built rifles. T

A TriggerTech “Field” trigger, adjustable from 2.5-5 lbs., provides a crisp, clean break and the action is fed by AICS-pattern magazines. The Model 2020 Waypoint is available in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win. and 6.5 PRC. It's heirloom-quality performance at a Springfield Armory price...which starts at $1,699. Compare this to the multiple thousands you can expect to pay for a rifle of this caliber (so to speak) from a custom shop, and you'll see the value.

The heart of the rifle is the custom-grade Model 2020 action, designed to take advantage of the most advanced manufacturing methods to hold incredibly tight tolerances. The Cerakote®finished action features an integral recoil lug and is machined from pre-hardened stainless steel with EDM cut raceways. The fluted bolt can be disassembled without tools and employs dual cocking cams and an enhanced extractor for high pressure loads. 

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