Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Long-Action Waypoint

By Jeremy Tremp
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Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Long-Action Waypoint

May 14th, 2024

4:42 runtime

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.

In this photo we see the new Springfield Armory Model 2020 Long Action Waypoint rifle and shootiung accessories including ammo and a tripod. The new gun is available in .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, 7mm PRC, .300 PRC cartridges ammunition.
The long-action models are the latest entries in the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint rifle line. This means even more classic as well as modern hunting cartridges are available to fans of the Springfield rifles.

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.

In this photo of the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Long Action Waypoint review we see some of the new rifle cartridges available for this bolt action rifle. The rifle is accurate, precise and reliable.
The long-action Model 2020 Waypoints feed from a detachable box magazine and features a wide range of popular chamberings.

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.

Springfield Waypoint Model 2020 Long Action hunting rifle
Hunters are likely to be pleased that the Springfield Waypoint Model 2020 long-action hunting rifle will now be available in popular game cartridges like .30-06, 7mm Rem. Mag. and .270.

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.

In this photo of the Springfield Model 2020 Long Action Waypoint review, we see the fluted bolt and a Leupold variable power rifle scope mounted on a Picatinny rail. The barrel is free floated.
The bolt is fluted and the raceway is precision cut using an electrical discharge machine for optimal performance.

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.

In this digital image, we see Springfield Armory's highly regarded radial muzzle brake that helps to reduce recoil. The free floating barrel is threaded which allows you to remove the brake and install a sound suppressor if needed.
Springfield Armory uses its own highly respected radial muzzle brake on the Model 2020 Long-Action Waypoint rifles. It is threaded for the use of a suppressor if desired.

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.

In this photo, we see the author shooting the Model 2020 Long-Action Waypoint on the shooting range. He is testing the precision trigger from TriggerTech. He found it to have a clean pull and release with repeatable results.
The Model 2020 long-action Waypoint rifles use an adjustable TriggerTech trigger that incorporates the company’s Frictionless Release Technology. It is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 5 lbs.

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.

In this photo from the shooting range, the author Jeremy Tremp shows the 7mm PRC Springfield Waypoint he reviewed.
The author tested the 7mm PRC-chambered Springfield Armory Model 2020 long-action Waypoint rifle during this review. He paired it with a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15X44 CDS-ZL2 scope.

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.

We see Jeremy Tremp testing the accuracy and precision of the 7mm PRC chambered Springfield Model 2020 Waypoint hunting rifle. The rifle stock has a camo pattern perfect for big game hunting in North America.
The author shot the Springfield Armory Model 2020 long-action Waypoint rifle chambered in 7mm PRC for this review. Accuracy testing was done from the bench.

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.

Here we see the Hornady provided the precision ammunition needed to properly test the long action Springfield Model 2020 rifle. Both match and hunting loads were tested with the gun.
Hornady provided the precision ammunition needed to properly test the long action Springfield Model 2020 rifle.

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.

Here we see a photo of the sighting in target used by the author to test accuracy and precision in the Springfield Waypoint long-action review.
Using this 16″x16″ Springfield Armory sight-in target, author Jeremy Tremp began his testing of the Model 2020 Waypoint chambered in 7mm PRC.

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.

In this photo, we see the display unit for the Garmin Xero C1 chronograph used by the author in this review. The Xero C1 is a pro chronograph for shooting results and reviews. It can work with pistol handgun rifle shotgun bow and crossbow projectiles.
The Garmin Xero C1 chronograph measured ammunition performance data when testing the 7mm PRC Waypoint. Read our Garmin chronograph review for additional information on this valuable tool.

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.

LoadVelocityBest Group
Hornady 180-gr. ELD Match2,894 fps0.5″
Group size is measured in inches and is made up of three, three-shot groups and fired from a rest at 100 yards. Velocity in feet per second and is the average of three rounds at 10 ft. fired across a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph. Abbreviations: ELD, (Extremely Low Drag); gr., (grain).

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.

In this photo we see a pair of hunters wearing camouflage clothing as they carry Springfield Waypoint long-action rifles into the field for a hunt.
The Springfield Waypoint Model 2020 long-action rifles will be appreciated by hunters looking to use a variety of classic and modern hunting cartridges.

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!

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Springfield Armory® recommends you seek qualified and competent training from a certified instructor prior to handling any firearm and be sure to read your owner’s manual. These articles and videos are considered to be suggestions and not recommendations from Springfield Armory. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Springfield Armory.

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Jeremy Tremp

Jeremy Tremp

Jeremy Tremp is a filmmaker/photographer who turned his passion for the firearms industry into a dream job. Having identified a need in the 2A space, he and some like-minded friends started Offensive Marketing Group to help bring their unique skillsets to an industry in dire need of "outside of the box" marketing approaches. One of the perks is getting access to some of the best gear and training in the industry. In his spare time, he loves to be at the range testing gear and learning to be a better shooter, firearms advocate and content creator.

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