First Look: Model 2020 Rimfire Series

By Jeremy Tremp

Today marks a major milestone on the timeline of Springfield Armory — the introduction of the Model 2020 Rimfire family of rifles. It looks like the Model 2020 Waypoint just got a little brother! Featuring “Target” and “Classic” variants, the line of bolt-action rifles in .22 LR has a robust selection of stock options and impressive features.

Springfield currently offers six variants of the Rimfire rifles at launch. You can expect two Target variants as well as four Classic models, with the latter featuring various grades of Turkish Walnut wood. The Target model features a precision rifle-style synthetic stock in black or sage color options. In addition to the two stock options, the Target model also features a threaded barrel. The Classic model features beautiful Turkish Walnut in four offerings: Satin, Grade A, Grade AA, and Grade AAA. In addition, the Classic model features a non-threaded barrel with a slimmer “sporter” profile.

The Details

With all the quality and performance you’ve come to expect from Springfield Armory, the Model 2020 Rimfire rifles will not disappoint. The bolt is hard chromed for corrosion resistance and smooth cycling, which is aided by the dual cocking cams giving you fast follow-up shots. The rifle’s 60-degree bolt throw enables effortless and quick cycling of the action, and a threaded-on bolt knob allows users to swap it out if they so choose.

For mounting optics, the Model 2020 Rimfire ships with a removable “interrupted” Picatinny rail for the receiver. The rifles allow for the use of either direct-mount scope rings or Picatinny mount rings, depending on your preferred set-up. To maximize accuracy, all of the rimfire rifles feature a free-floated 20” barrel. The rate of twist is 1:16”, and the threaded muzzle of the Target model features 1/2×28 threading.

All stocks are equipped with a rubber recoil pad contoured to each stock, and the length of pull on all rifles is 13.45”. This allows the shooter a natural position to maximize the handling and performance of the rifle. For those who wish to add a sling or a bipod to their rifle, Springfield has designed each stock with dual sling swivels.

All of the rimfire rifles also feature a Model 700-pattern trigger factory set at 4.5 lbs. and optimized for the .22-caliber action. In addition, the trigger is adjustable for fine-tuning to your preferences. And to ensure reliable feeding, the Model 2020 Rimfire features a rotary magazine crafted from durable polymer. The magazine, which holds 10 rounds, is cross-compatible with 10/22-pattern magazines of the same capacity. Magazine releases on the Target models are extended, while the classic models feature a low-profile and visually unobtrusive magazine release.

And, as with the Model 2020 Waypoint, it’s clear that Springfield knows how to build accurate bolt-action rifles. To that end, the rifles have a guaranteed accuracy capability of 1 MOA or less at 50 yards in the hands of a skilled shooter with high-quality ammunition.

Hands-On

As a bolt-action rifle addict, I love the option of having a solid rimfire I can take out and plink with or use as a training platform for new shooters. The moment I got my hands on the Model 2020 Rimfire rifles, I was immediately drawn to the black synthetic stock variant. The feel of the stock as well as the threaded barrel made the rifle fit well with my shooting style and interests. However, I will admit that the Classic models are also certainly appealing!

First and foremost, I needed to hit the range to try my hand at squeezing the most accuracy from the platform as I could. I set my target at the prescribed 50 yards out and, using a bipod and a shooting bag, set the rifle on a bench. Using Remington target .22 ammo, I sighted in at 9X on the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm I had on the rifle and began shooting a few three-round groups.

All my grouping was sub-MOA, and the best of the bunch was .5 MOA. The Remington ammo fed perfectly without any malfunctions, and the accuracy speaks for itself. I’ve come to trust all the match and target ammo from Remington that I’ve been able to use. They’ve done a great job at keeping a good stock of quality ammo that I can pick up without breaking the bank when I need the utmost accuracy.

As I mentioned, for my testing of the Target model, I utilized the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire optic. I attached it to the Picatinny base via Warne Ring mounts. The VX-Freedom optic is just about perfect for this rifle. The optic weighs in at a mere 12.2 oz. and sports a wide 3-9X zoom range with a 40mm objective lens for superior light transmission and optical clarity. The VX-Freedom is waterproof and fogproof, ensuring your success in all types of environmental conditions. The zoom throw was extremely smooth and easy to actuate, with clarity throughout the entire range.

Utilizing the sling swivel on the front end, I also installed a Magpul MOE bipod for the most stable shooting positions. Finally, I also did some testing with a SilencerCo Switchback Rimfire suppressor, which makes the entire experience of shooting a .22 outstanding.

Shooting rimfire rifles is a blast. I love the ability to practice shooting fundamentals without the flinch accompanying a larger caliber. With a rimfire rifle, you can really dial in your shooting ability and focus on the basics. It’s a great training aid for both new and experienced shooters. Also, with a rimfire like the Target model, you can add a suppressor to eliminate the audible variable and home in on the perfect trigger press and proper breath control.

The operation of the Model 2020 Rimfire rifles was a breath of fresh air compared to most rimfire rifles I’ve encountered. The action is smooth and tactile, and I didn’t feel like I was dragging the bolt through sand or getting hung up on metal. Cycling the bolt was smooth and fast, chambering the next round with ease. The length of pull and the height of the stock’s cheekpiece were perfect for me, at 5’11” with average-length arms. The rifle was comfortable, lightweight and very feature-rich for the price point.

Did I mention pricing yet? The Target model comes in at $343 for the black-stocked model, and $499 for the sage stock with the attractive “black webbing” treatment. The Classic models start a $529 and range up to $690 for the Grade A, $839 for the Grade AA and $1,099 for the Grade AAA stocks.

And what do you get for those prices on all the packages? A rifle that clearly was designed to provide shoots with an accurate and adaptable gun. The choice to utilize the Model 700-pattern trigger as well as 10/22-pattern magazines shows a good understanding of the benefits of a broad selection of aftermarket parts. I can see myself installing a match trigger in this rifle to squeeze even more accuracy out of the platform.

Finally, the removable bolt knob was a nice touch regarding the option of installing your own. Many shooters find a bolt-action rifle knob-style they love, and they utilize that on all their rifles. Especially if you are using this rifle for training, it’s nice to have everything feel as close as possible to your larger-caliber rifles.

Conclusion

As much as I am drawn to the synthetic Target model, there is no denying the beauty and elegance of the Turkish Walnut Classic models. It has that classic look of a timeless rimfire rifle, but outfitted with the latest features and benefitting from modern manufacturing materials and processes.

Beyond target shooting and training, this rifle will find a home with me on camping trips, wilderness excursions, varmint hunting and general outdoor adventures. I think everyone should have a bolt-action rimfire rifle in their collection. The simplicity of design and operation along with the ease and cost of acquiring ammo makes this rifle a no-brainer.

If you’re intrigued by the new Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire rifles, I would encourage you to give them a closer look. The quality and features make this a very attractive rifle for those looking for a lifelong rifle that can be passed down for generations.

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Featured in this video

Model 2020 Rimfire Series

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Rimfire MOA Scope

Magpul Moe Bipod

Warne V601M 1" Scope Rings

Remington .22 LR Target Ammo