Jeremy Tremp reviews the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Long-Action Waypoint. These rifles combine the great features of the Waypoint with popular long-action cartridges including the .270, .30-06 and 7mm Rem. Mag. The rifles were loaned to the reviewer by Springfield Armory for the purposes of this review.
For all you big game hunters out there who demand the most in performance from their rifles, Springfield Armory now has the perfect platform for you. The popular lineup of Model 2020 Waypoint rifles is now available in long-action, channeling the power of cartridges such as the 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm PRC, .300 Win. Mag., .300 PRC, .270 and .30-06.
The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint rifles appeared on the scene in September of 2020. Since then, they have established a custom-grade standard for reliability, build quality and precision accuracy in a factory hunting rifle.
The initial Model 2020 Waypoint rifles were short-action rifles offered in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC. These rifles proved to be workhorses for long-range shooters and hunters alike.
Moving Forward
Today, the Model 2020 Waypoint rifles expand their caliber options into the big leagues. With the new long-action caliber options, you can expect the same quality, reliability and .75 MOA guarantee that makes the Model 2020 Waypoint so desirable — but now in a whole host of new chamberings.
The heart of the Model 2020 Waypoint is the custom-grade Model 700-pattern action. Made from premium materials, it is precision crafted to create a smooth and reliable action. Both the fluted bolt and the action are machined after heat treatment to create the tightest tolerances possible. The raceway is cut with Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) for absolute precision and smooth bolt movement. The bolt also features dual cocking cams. For all you who customize their rifles, you’ll be happy to know the bolt knob is removable in case you wanted to replace it with your favorite aftermarket knob.
Ensuring accuracy is the 24” barrel offered in either stainless steel, or a BSF barrel jacketed in a roll-wrapped carbon fiber sleeve and loaded under tension. According to Springfield, this ensures that 95 percent of the carbon fiber sleeve doesn’t contact the barrel, providing cooling air gaps and promoting cold bore to warm bore repeatability. The barrel under the sleeve is also fluted, which reduces weight and increases surface cooling area. All Waypoint barrels are completely free-floated for maximum accuracy, and their 5/8-24 threaded muzzles are topped off with an SA Radial Muzzle Brake.
Anyone who’s trekked around with their rifle over long distances knows that ounces equal pounds, especially when it comes to your rifle. Springfield Armory chose to outfit the Model 2020 Waypoint with a sleek carbon fiber stock available in two colors, Ridgeline Camo or Evergreen Camo. Springfield collaborated with AG Composites to create hand-layered 100% carbon fiber and pillar-bedded stocks. These stocks give you rock-solid strength as well as light weight.
Finally, and arguably one of the most important features when creating a precision rifle is the trigger. The Model 2020 Waypoint utilizes a TriggerTech trigger that is adjustable from 2.5 to 5 lbs. The trigger features a low-profile, non-snag safety and employs Triggertech’s Frictionless Release Technology. The trigger is repeatable, dependable and intuitive in its break.
Hands-On
I’ve put my personal short-action Model 2020 Waypoint in .308 through its paces through multiple precision rifle classes as well as many range trips. I’ve shot it in stock configuration, and also highly customized it to my personal preferences. It’s one of my go-to rifles for precision and reliability. My only gripe was that I wouldn’t be able to hunt larger game if and when I finally drew some big game tags in Arizona.
I awaited the day that the long-action chamberings for the Model 2020 Waypoint would finally be released to satisfy my 7mm PRC dreams. Today is that day. Now I’ve got the best of both worlds in .308 and 7mm PRC for my Model 2020 Waypoint builds. For this 7mm PRC, I am keeping it bone stock with just the addition of a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15X44 CDS-ZL2 scope. Maintaining a lightweight, sleek form while retaining extreme accuracy is of extreme importance to me when it comes to a larger-caliber hunting rifle like this.
The very first thing that I do when I get a precision rifle is to throw a bipod on it, my favorite being the B&T Industries Atlas Bipod. The second is accuracy testing to figure out what this rifle prefers and if it lives up to its .75 MOA guarantee. I hit the range with three flavors of Hornady ammo: Outfitter 7mm PRC 160-gr. CX and Precision Hunter 175-gr. ELD-X, as well as 180-gr. ELD Match.
The three loads claim a muzzle velocity of right around 3,000 feet per second (fps). I’ve found over the years that certain rifles prefer some bullets over others, and my initial guess was that the 180-gr. ELD Match would produce a bit tighter groups as it’s a match bullet created for ultimate accuracy.
To understand the data a little more and to see what the rifle is doing, I also brought my favorite chronograph, the Xero C1 Pro by Garmin. The size of the Xero makes it a complete game-changer for me. At less than the size of my fist, the Xero can fit into any range bag and easily sets up within seconds.
Admittedly, most of my time behind a bolt gun has been shooting 6.5 Creedmoor and .308, so I am a bit newer to the long-action side of life. Settling in behind the rifle felt familiar and comfortable, but nagging in the back of my mind was the question of what kind of recoil the 7mm PRC would produce. I aligned the reticle on the target, exhaled and put consistent pressure into the trigger until the shot broke. I was pleasantly surprised that the rifle felt similar to my .308 Model 2020 Waypoint in terms of recoil.
After getting the rifle warmed up with the Outfitter and Precision Hunter loads from Hornady, I settled it to really wring it out for accuracy with the Hornady ELD Match load. For my best three-shot group, I got a very tight 0.5” group, and an average of 2,894 fps for all three shots. I also had a buddy shoot the 180-gr. Match bullets to verify my results, and he produced a tight 0.6” group.
This data reflected pretty much what I expected from that load. As far as the Xero data was concerned, each round I chronographed was very close to what was stated on the boxes for the Hornady ammo. I cannot overstate the value of the Xero C1 for precision shooting, especially if you are working on your own loads. The ease of use and value associated with it is undeniable.
Conclusion
The shooting experience with the Model 2020 Waypoint long-action was as smooth as I expected it to be. The trigger is comfortable and consistent, which greatly aids in the accuracy of the rifle. The bolt is smooth and easily manipulated, keeping your head down on the gun for fast follow-up shots. While the version I reviewed did not have an adjustable cheek riser, that variant is available as an option.
If you are in the market for a big boy long-action bolt gun, you can’t go wrong with the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Long-Action Waypoint line-up. They’ve got something for everyone, from barrel length, to color to caliber options. I know I’m glad they are now available!
Editor’s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in!
Join the Discussion
Featured in this video
Read the full article here