I’ve tested hundreds of rifles over my four decades in the outdoor industry. The Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint in 6mm Creedmoor is the single most accurate production rifle I’ve ever tested — period.
I know I’m not supposed to give away the ending of a story at the very start, particularly with something as provocative as the statement I just made. However, I think that it’s worth your while to follow me on the journey of how we got to this point.
The Model 2020
I’ve always been a fan of a fine rifle built for the field. In the past, if you really wanted to ramp the game up, it meant going custom. I’ve tested several, all costing in the $5,000 range — or more. All were delights to shoot, carry and use; however, this certainly came at a cost.
Recognizing the market’s needs, Springfield introduced their initial Model 2020, making a strong statement that Springfield understood what a rifleman wanted in a high-quality hunting tool. They also opened the door to excellence and innovation at a price we mere mortals could afford.
The Model 2020 series rifles are modern, American-made bolt actions loaded with custom features right from the factory. The 2020 is versatile, offering multiple models and many configurations. The Model 2020 Waypoint is a premium rifle, with precision bedding and a high-end trigger from TriggerTech, adjustable from 2.5 to 5 lbs.
Our test rifle, a “Waypoint” with adjustable carbon fiber stock and carbon fiber barrel, is chambered in 6mm Creedmoor, but is offered in a wide range of popular cartridges across the line. In addition, you can get a Waypoint with a fixed comb carbon fiber stock as well as fluted stainless steel barrel. If you want it, Springfield likely offers it.
I think the Waypoint 2020 might be one of the most versatile bolt-action sporting rifles out there. If you’re a hunter or general shooter needing a lightweight, reliable rifle loaded with features, the Waypoint gives you just that, along with the ability to make your point at long ranges, too.
Specifications
| Chambering | 6mm Creedmoor |
| Barrel | 20″ |
| Weight | 7 lbs., 6 oz. |
| Overall Length | 41.5″ |
| Sights | N/A, Picatinny rail |
| Stock | Carbon fiber, adjustable comb |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Finish | Cerakote |
| Capacity | 5 (one magazine included) |
| MSRP | $2,355 |
Data Points
As noted, our test Waypoint features an adjustable stock, a carbon-fiber barrel and is chambered in 6mm Creedmoor. The barrel is a 20” carbon-sleeved design, while that adjustable carbon fiber stock has a convenient and comfortable cheekpiece that is easily adjustable for fit.
An SA Radial muzzle brake on the 5/8×24 threaded muzzle; the TriggerTech adjustable trigger we mentioned; and a detachable AICS-pattern, five-round magazine help to round things out. If you wanted a list of features for a top-end custom rifle, they’re already present with the Model 2020 Waypoint.
One of the remarkable things to me is the fact Springfield boldly guarantees the Model 2020 Waypoint (and all other Model 2020 rifles) will produce sub-.75 MOA three-shot groups with match-grade ammo and a skilled shooter — right out of the box. While it’s intended to be a field hunting rifle, it’s guaranteed to deliver a level of accuracy that rifles even five years ago would rarely hint at, much less promise.
Overall weight tends to be in the 7 lb. neighborhood. Our test rifle is scoped with a Leupold VX-6HD 3-18×44 and, with the empty magazine installed, weighs right at 8 lbs., 8 oz. While you can find rifles weighing a bit less, you won’t find such a comprehensive list of features and level of quality of build in those lightweights.
Our test Waypoint’s carbon-fiber stock and carbon-encased barrel are designed for specific reasons. The combination reduces weight while keeping things rigid and under control where it’s most important. Synthetics like carbon are both lightweight and resistant to the whims of knee-deep snow and mud, heavy rain or desert heat.
The fore-end of the stock is made to rest snugly on bags (in the field or on the range) or any other convenient spot you can steady it. Also, M-Lok slots on that forend offer an easy way to mount bipods and other accoutrements. Keep in mind that the adjustable comb allows you to find a new comfort point if you swap scopes out, even while in the field. That’s handy.
Some feel a carbon fiber barrel will heat up faster than an all-steel barrel. That may be the case in prolonged shooting strings, but for a hunting rifle designed for an accurate cold barrel shot it’s a moot point. The trade-off is well worth the added stiffness and lighter carry weight in my opinion. And remember, you can get the same rifle with a fluted stainless steel barrel.
Action Ideas
Springfield wisely chose the classic Remington 700-pattern for the Model 2020 action, then added their own touches. Machine work is first-class, showing attention to detail and finish not usually seen in modern production hunting rifles. Too many designs today chase the lowest price point, becoming in many senses simply commodities — priced by the pound rather than by quality features. Not the 2020.
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Among the upgrades to the basic 700 design are EDM raceways, fluting on the bolt, dual locking lugs, removable bolt handle and a strongly built integral recoil-lug design improving action rigidity. I think the bolt design shines in a remarkably smooth throw. It reminds me of that classic Krag action and bolt that was whisper smooth and light as a feather to run.
There’s tool-less takedown for maintenance too, which is handy when there’s an oopsie into a mud puddle. In addition, the TriggerTech Field trigger is head and shoulders over standard, creepy factory triggers. Being shooter-adjustable, it’s crisp and is inertially locked — meaning no creepy sear creep; all perfect for consistency in the field.
On The Range
The Waypoint is a hunter’s rifle, and the creators obviously had hunters in mind. The hybrid stock and pistol grip carries handily yet rests solidly if needed. The 6mm Creedmoor in the 2020 Waypoint chassis is about perfect for those who chase lightweight, longer-range hunting situations. Even target and match shooters will find the set-up agreeable.
The 6mm Creedmoor cartridge is built using high BC bullets, offering both good performance on game animals and mild recoil. While I was limited to 150 yards during my testing, there’s no reason this combo can’t reach out to 500 yards or more in the right hands.
I had a line-up of Hornady ammo covering most of the bases for which a rifle like this Waypoint might be used. The 80-gr. ELD-VT is perfect for varmints or match style shooting. The 103-gr. ELD-X is a nearly perfect hunting round, offering solid 400 yard or so reliable performance along with match-grade accuracy. Hornady’s 108-gr. ELD Match is just that; dialed in for precision match shooting at whatever range the shooter can manage.
The 80-gr. load is rated at 3,300 fps from Hornady from a 24” barrel, and it averaged in the 3,240 fps range over my Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph out of the rifle’s 20” barrel. The 103-gr. load said 3,050 fps on the box and averaged 2,840 on the chrono. The heavier 108-gr. Match load promised 2,960 fps on the box and averaged 2,940 fps from the rifle. I confess the long-for-caliber bullet looks “just right” in that case and offers a historical nod to the beloved 6.5×55 Swede.
Accuracy from my brand-new rifle was not surprising at all. My prior experience with Springfield Armory guns of all types has shown them to be reliable and accurate shooters, regardless of the platform. Once I got things dialed in with the scope, I shot some groups (three with each load) at 100 yards.
The 80-gr. load averaged 0.55”, and the 103-gr. load averaged 0.65”. The star of the show, the 108-gr. load, gave the best group of the day at an amazing 0.13”. I let the barrel cool between shots, so all the groups were three cold shots. Remarkable consistency.
I also want to point out that I was doing all this testing with the rifle in the Ransom Diamond Rifle Rest. This impressive rest allowed me to really wring out the most performance from the rifle and the ammo, and I have no doubt it — combined with an extremely accurate rifle and load — played a big part in me getting these incredible results.
That being said, if I were hunting with this rifle and the 108-gr. load, I’d be perfectly confident out to as far as I can hold. I can’t endorse something like this any better. African plains game would not be out of reach with this combo.
Final Thoughts — Short and Honest
If you need (or just want …) a long-range hunting rifle that’s easy to carry, accurate and reliable, stop right here. There’s really no need for a custom rifle these days unless you just want to scratch that itch. The Waypoint and other 2020 models deliver everything a more expensive custom rifle can deliver, without long waits and expensive prices. At an MSRP of $2,355, my test rifle is a steal for what you’re getting.
I’d only caution if you are a serious student of benchrest shooting, go with the stainless steel barrel option. The carbon fiber one is great for carrying in the field and can clearly shoot, but it’s not designed for a long range day on the bench.
With the Model 2020 rifles, you get the sort of quality and performance that will make you smile every time you pick up the rifle. It’s the old “Buy once, cry once” syndrome. Trust me, as someone who has spent way-more then I “should have” on high-quality guns, the cost is soon forgotten while the quality remains a delight.
Neatly bridging two worlds, the Model 2020 Waypoint handles the hunting field or the target range neatly. While most of us enjoy owning multiple rifles of all sorts, if push came to shove, this Waypoint would cover virtually any need you might have and do it with aplomb. If you like the idea of custom but don’t want the wait or expense, the Waypoint waits patiently for your attention.
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