Ben Ryder05.16.24
Springfield Armory has delivered on a dream that I have had since they launched the Model 2020 Waypoint, a long action version of one of my favorite bolt action rifles.
We’ve seen an almost seismic shift in the timing of product announcements with many brands foregoing SHOT Show and opting for launches throughout the year or at the NRA Annual meetings. Springfield Armory has been releasing new products over the past few years on their own schedule and it has paid off in a big way. They have had a string of very successful launches including the Hellion, Model 2020 Redline, and the Model 2020 rimfire rifles. One product in particular has been on my mind quite often and this week, Springfield Armory has released it. That product is the all new Long Action version of the Model 2020 Waypoint.
Over the past 3 years, a few of us at OutdoorHub have been traveling and testing the bolt guns that Springfield Armory has been releasing and I can say with great confidence that they have done an amazing job with the design and production of the Model 2020 Waypoint. From accuracy to weight, Springfield’s vision for this product line has been nothing short of a home run. Now, with the release of the Long Action variants, the Model 2020 Waypoint has, in my opinion, become one of the best bolt guns on the market.
I’ve said a lot without getting in to why I think this rifle is a great option for hunters so, let’s get in to it. When I’m evaluating a rifle, accuracy is only a portion of what is important to me. I find myself hunting in a number of different locations throughout the year and something that is placed high on my list of desirable features is a light weight platform. Weight is a killer in the field but, if you are flying it can also be a killer in your case as you start to pack and prepare for checking your rifle case in to your airline of choice. The new Model 2020 Waypoint long action tips the scales just north of 8 Lbs and when you pair the rifle with an optic, you will still be comfortably below 10 lbs.
Not only is weight a crucial feature, but the balance of the rifle is also really important to me. A fresh trend hitting the market is hunting rifles built with a heavier folding chassis system and I have found that carrying a rifle like that over longer periods of time can feel awkward. These new rifles are built like PRS guns and is typically there is more weight surrounding the action and butt stock. The Model 2020 Waypoint line of rifles, including the newest Long Action variants, feel like a dream to carry. I think a great deal of this is due to Springfield Armory’s choice of stock.
Springfield Armory has tapped AG Composites for their stocks and the Model 2020 Waypoint uses a hand-layed, 100% carbon fiber stock that not only looks great, but also feels great. There is something unique to these stocks that I’ve noticed and that is that they seem to have a slightly larger width when compared to other rifle stocks I have used in the past. It’s a feature that is somewhat difficult to translate into text but, what I can say is that the rifle stock fills your hand in a way that I have not experienced with other rifles. When you get behind a Model 2020 Waypoint the available area that your shooting hand can seal around feels substantial and inspires confidence.
The Model 2020 Waypoint is based off of the Remington 700 platform and this opens up a number of possibilities for aftermarket parts and accessories. While there are a number of incredible triggers on the market that are compatible with the Model 2020 Waypoint, Springfield Armory went straight to the top and includes a factory installed TriggerTech trigger. The single stage trigger is adjustable from 2.5 – 5lbs and has a patented free-floating roller that delivers a crisp and reliable pull.
What is a trigger without a great barrel? The all new Model 2020 Waypoint rifles are available with either a fluted steel or carbon fiber barrel both of which offer .75 MOA guarantees. The model I have on hand is a .300 PRC with the carbon fiber barrel. Not only does it feel great, but it looks incredible and I cannot wait to get out and use it on a hunt.
This is definitely one of the more exciting product releases for me that has dropped this year. Exciting because I have enough experience with the Model 2020 to know I really like the platform and that it is accurate, comfortable to carry, and built to last. With the addition of magnum calibers, I can go after larger game and still bring one of my favorite rifles on the hunt!
For more information on the Model 2020 Waypoint long action rifles, you can head over to Springfield Armory’s website.
Ben Ryder
Ben currently leads the editorial staff for Outdoorhub, Alloutdoor, and The Firearm Blog. He is an avid outdoorsman and has hunted for large game across the United States including Alaska, Texas and his home state of Michigan. Ben also has a deep knowledge and passion for firearms and has participated in various civilian courses focusing on precision rifle shooting, carbine, pistol, ammunition reloading, and hunting focused firearm applications. Outside of work, Ben pursues a number of water based activities spending his free time in Northern Michigan boating and fishing on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.
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