The Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint
This bolt-action rifle is patterned after the extremely popular Remington 700 footprint. There are a variety of models, but all of them feature a carbon-fiber stock and detachable box magazines. Different color camo patterns can be selected, as well as other features like carbon-wrapped barrels and radial muzzle brakes, so there’s a Waypoint for just about any hunter.
The foundation of the Waypoint rifle is the 2020 action, a two-lug, 90-degree bolt action much like the Remington 700 it resembles. I say "resembles” because it greatly improves over its predecessor. The 2020 action uses a one-piece fluted bolt body with a removable bolt handle. At the front of the bolt, you’ll find the sliding extractor and spring-plunger ejector. The sear is tripped by a TriggerTech Field trigger, which in my experience is fantastic.
At the back of the action, you’ll find the bolt-stop/release. This is the stronger and superior design, making the bolt quick to remove and firmly stopped when it reaches the aft stroke. The Waypoint 2020 comes with a scope base rail installed, using both screws and dowel pins for security.
More Features
The Waypoint stock is rigid and light. At the back, there is a soft rubber recoil pad as well as some flush-mounted QD cups for attaching a sling. The vertical grip is modern and comfortable, allowing easy placement of your thumb at the proper angle. The aluminum trigger guard is also well done and features a mag release in front of the trigger area. The AICS-pattern magazine is a sure way to gain points with most shooters.
The front of the stock also features a QD cup for sling attachment, as well as M-LOK slots on the bottom to attach a bipod. I found the stock comfortable and serviceable.
The 20-inch barrel is carbon-fiber wrapped for weight reduction, and the muzzle is threaded at 5/8x24 with a radial muzzle brake installed to tame the rifle. Chambered in .308 Winchester, the barrel features a 1:10 twist, which allows for a great deal of bullet compatibility.
Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester
- Capacity: 5+1
- Weight: 6 pounds, 9 ounces
- Length: 41.5 inches
- Barrel: 20 inches, 1:10 twist, carbon fiber
- Trigger: Adjustable from 2.5 to 5 pounds
- Muzzle Device: Radial blast brake, 5/8x24 threads
- Magazine: AICS compatible
- Optics Mounting: Picatinny rail, 6-48 Screws
- Receiver: Stainless steel 2020
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Color: Evergreen camo/green Cerakote
Range Prep
To properly test the Waypoint, I added one of my favorite scopes. The US Optics TXH 3-18 is a perfect scope for a precision hunting rifle, and with a set of 34mm rings, it dropped right into place on the Waypoint. I also added a Harris bipod for supported shooting and attached a Pic rail section via the M-LOK slots to make my bipod easy to install and remove.
I brought a nice spread of ammo as well. First were a couple selections from Hornady: the American Whitetail 150-grain ammo and Precision Hunter 178-grain ELDX. I also brought along some Barnes Vor-TX 130-grain ammunition and a box of DTM .308 Match 175-grain.
For good measure, I also threw in my Banish Backcountry suppressor, which would make a perfect lightweight companion to this rifle.
Related Review: Elevate Your Hunt with the Banish Backcountry Can
Shooting the Waypoint 2020
My first exploit with the Waypoint was at a public range – not something I enjoy, but worth the time. It took no time to zero the rifle with just a couple shots after I boresighted it. Then I shot a few different groups to see if the rifle preferred one ammo type over another. It came as no surprise that the DTM 175 Match seemed to shoot the best, with a Barnes 130-grain round in a close second place. Velocities from those two were 2,560 fps and 3,020 fps, respectively. After some accuracy testing, I continued shooting to see how the rifle functioned and fed.
I was happy with the handling and manipulation of the Waypoint. The stock is comfortable and easy to manipulate, and even though it lacks the adjustable comb, it still fit me just as I liked. The bolt ran smooth as butter, with positive extraction and feeding. The slippery lips of the polymer magazine made feeding flawless.
Despite the light weight, recoil was modest due to the radial muzzle brake. After switching it out for my suppressor, handling was even more pleasant.
The Waypoint rifles come with a 3/4-MOA accuracy guarantee, but feel that’s a bit weak for something at this price point. I have $500 factory rifles that shoot better than 3/4 MOA and have no guarantee. While the rifle did meet and exceed its guarantee, I had hoped it would shoot a little better with more of the ammunition types I tested.
The Value
I’ve had a couple of other Springfield Armory 2020 rifles, and much like this one, I loved almost everything about them. An MSRP of $2,599 is a little steep for me with a 3/4 MOA accuracy guarantee, though obviously some shoot better than that. Even at the $2,000 street price, I’d expect it to shoot better than my $500 Howa Mini or Ruger American.
As a great deal of desirable features are included from the factory, the Waypoint 2020 needs few upgrades. Since it’s compatible with 700 parts, you can easily swap out things like the stock, triggers, and magazine systems. I don’t think any of that is necessary after spending $2,000 or more, but it’s nice to know you can.
My Take on the Waypoint
Deep down, I am a complete nerd for precision rifles. When I picked up the Waypoint, I wanted to love it. I suppose you could say I really like the rifle; I just wish Springfield could guarantee something like 1/2 MOA for these rifles.
The Waypoint 2020 has all the indications of a quality custom rifle, and while you might get a similar shooting performance for less, you won’t get this quality feel and balance. So, if you are looking to upgrade from something in the $500 to $1,000 range, the Waypoint could be a good option.
