Overview
Whereas the Model 2020 line introduced with the Waypoint four years ago has a very modern flavor, with AICS-pattern detachable magazines and options for fully-adjustable stocks with integrated pistol grips and carbon-fiber wrapped barrels, the Boundary seems more traditional in styling while still having some of the best features of the line.
(All Photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
Features
The Model 2020 receiver used on the Boundary is stainless steel with a one-piece bottom metal with a lightweight aluminum hinged floor plate that is compatible with 700 series receivers, giving the user a degree of flexibility. The fluted bolt, which has a 90-degree throw and a pear-shaped removable bolt knob, runs on EDM cut raceways. It boasts a lock time of just 1.9 milliseconds, which SA contends is up to 45 percent faster than the competition.
Another holdover from the Waypoint is the installed TriggerTech Field trigger, which is user-adjustable from 2.5 to 5 pounds.
The furniture is a 100-percent carbon fiber AG Sportsman stock clad in hand-painted Rogue camouflage, configured with a 13.5-inch length of pull, two QD sling cups, and a 1-inch Pachmayr decelerator pad. M-LOK slots on the bottom of the forearm allow for easy use with bipods, Pic railing, Arca rail, etc. Shipped without sights, optics mounting is via a Rem 700 SA Pattern Picatinny mount using 6-48 screws.
There is also a lot of variation offered right from the start, with short- and long-action models available in seven calibers: .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .300 PRC, .300 Win. Mag., 7mm Rem. Mag., or 7mm PRC (sorry fellas, no .270s or .30-06s). Going past that, the user has a choice of either a traditional fluted stainless steel barrel or a BSF carbon fiber-wrapped barrel in the same length. The difference in weight between the two barrel styles is about 2 ounces for a $400 bump in price.
Between the seven calibers and two barrel styles, the Boundary will be offered in 14 models at launch.
For evaluation before release, Springfield sent us a Model 2020 Boundary in 7mm Rem Mag fitted with a 24-inch fluted barrel.
Let us take a closer look.
Specs (on review model)
- Caliber: 7mm Rem Mag
- Barrel: 24-inch fluted 416 stainless steel, 1:8 twist
- Overall length: 46 inches
- Weight (empty with no accessories or optics): 7 pounds, 2 ounces.
- Receiver: Model 2020 stainless steel, 700 pattern bottom metal.
- Mount: Picatinny, Rem 700 SA Pattern, 6-48 screws
- Bolt: Fluted 4140 tool steel, nitrided
- Stock: AG Sportsman, carbon fiber, with M-LOK and QD cups, Rouge camo
- Magazine: 3-round internal with hinged aluminum floorplate.
- Trigger: TriggerTech Field adjustable, 2.5 - 5 lbs.
- Muzzle device: SA 20-port Radial Brake on 5/8x24 threads
- Metal finish: Tactical Grey Cerakote H-227
- MSRP: $2,173
Accuracy
Springfield stands behind the Boundary with a .75 MOA accuracy guarantee "for a three-shot group at 100 yards with quality match-grade factory ammunition, in the hands of a skilled shooter." The problem is, I wouldn't describe myself as a particularly "skilled" shooter even after nearly 50 years of gun handling in the rearview, and am seriously nearsighted, but I gave it a shot (pardon the pun).
After zeroing in the Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 CDS-ZL2 scope on the rifle with Federal's 175-grain Fusion Soft Point and verifying at 100 yards, I settled down on the shooting bench with a sandbag and got to work. The result was several groups well under 1 inch, with the best being 0.89 MOA, as measured with digital calipers centerline with the widest holes. Using two different bullet group apps on my phone, both read the group as slightly smaller.
Re-zeroing with Federal Premium's nickel-cased 160-grain Trophy Bonded Tip loads (which had a negligible POA/POI shift from the 175-grain FSP), I was able to get a few noticeably smaller groups including a 0.64 MOA three-shot stack, as measured with calipers, meeting Springfield's guarantee.
In short, I ran three boxes of each of Federal's 160-grain TBT and 175-grain FSP through the Boundary between function checks, sighting in the optic and making groups. Of the aforementioned 30 or so three-shot stacks, most were beautiful and under an inch except when the shooter (me) had a wild flyer that was an inch off from the other two rounds – a personal issue rather than any fault of the equipment.
Keep in mind this was all done from a bench with a bag in July in southern Mississippi and Alabama with daily 100+ degree heat advisories and high humidity/thunderstorms. Running the Boundary from a lead sled or good bipod/tripod set-up in less tropical weather, or with a better rifleman, would surely yield better groups.
Hunting Can Host
The Boundary, which has 5/8x24 threads under the SA Radial Brake, is ready right out of the box for a suppressor. Studies show something like 3 out of 4 hunters don't wear hearing protection while in the woods. Using a sound moderator while in the field is about the most logical and gentlemanly thing a hunter can do as it both protects not only their hearing but also that of those around them. Plus, 41 states allow harvesting game with suppressors.
When it comes to lightweight hunting cans there are several svelte new titanium models out there such as the Diligent Defense Enticer S Ti, Dead Air Nomad Ti, and LPM Mach-S, but SilencerCo's recently introduced Scythe Ti is about the shortest (6.16 inches) and lightest (7.3 ounces) out there.
The Boundary with Scythe Ti attached at work on the range. The muffs are due to other shooters on the line without cans:
Reliability
Everything felt good on the Boundary right off the bat. Cheek weld was natural. The bolt was smooth, even when using it on a full mag. Extraction was 100-percent dependable. I like the QD cups mounted on the side, which allows for a flat carry in the field. The only thing I can complain about is that the muzzle brake, being ported 360 degrees, is exceptionally loud for what it does, especially if under cover. I'd recommend using it with a can instead or swapping out the brake.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Carbon fiber stock
- Traditional styling
- Probably more accurate than the user with a sub-MOA guarantee
- M-LOK rails and QD sling cups installed
- Choice of fluted or carbon wrapped barrels
- Offered in seven calibers
- 7-pound weight
- Fast lock time
- Positive extraction
- Internal magazine (no mag to lose)
- Adjustable trigger
- Suppressor ready
Cons
- Caliber options don't include popular chamberings such as .270 and .30-06
- Cost starts at $2K (but still less than a custom rifle)
- Muzzle brake is rowdy
Final Thoughts
The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary feels a lot like a custom rifle that costs a bunch more than this out-of-the-box bolt gun. Springfield seems to be breaking out of its traditional 1911 and M1A mold as of late and this rifle is a step in the right direction if the company is seeking to fill a niche with modern hunters, especially those seeking a PRC-chambered gun that is light enough for Western hunting and with all the best features. That's probably why it isn't offered in the more "old guy" calibers like .270 and Aught Six.
Not a lot of rocks to throw at this one, guys. It's a good rifle.
