Is the Model 2020 Boundary the Best Springfield Hunting Rifle?

It was a shock to most of the shooting world when Springfield Armory introduced the Model 2020 Waypoint bolt-action rifle. Unveiled in 2020 (hence the model number), with COVID raging across the world, the new rifle from Springfield was a bit of good news. Later came the Model 2020 Redline with a shorter barrel and minimalistic stock. A few months ago, Springfield announced another version of the Model 2020 called the Boundary, a traditionally styled hunting rifle with a few well-designed twists.

The Boundary is built around the same action and comes with the same 3/4 MOA precision guarantee as the Waypoint. This push-feed action features an extractor positioned in the face of one of the bolt’s two lugs. Set 90 degrees to the centerline of the bore, the extractor is similar to the one Winchester used on its push-feed Model 70 rifles. Ejection is handled by a plunger ejector in the bolt face that is under spring tension. The bolt body has radial fluting and a handle with a removeable knob.

A Picatinny scope rail comes with the rifle, and the action is drilled to accept scope bases that follow the Remington Model 700 pattern. Springfield equips the Boundary with a TriggerTech Field trigger that is user-adjustable from 2 1/2 to 5 pounds.

The Boundary (like the Waypoint as of this year) is offered in short- and long-action configurations. Two barrel styles are available: a fluted stainless steel barrel and a carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless barrel. Barrel length varies from 20 to 24 inches based on chambering, and the carbon-fiber barrel costs about $425 more than the all-stainless barrel. All barrels are threaded at 5/8x24 and equipped with a radial muzzle brake; a thread protector is also provided.

The substantial difference between the new Boundary rifle and the Waypoint is the stock. The Boundary has an AG Composites Sportsman carbon-fiber stock with a hand-painted Rogue camo finish. Viewed from the right side of the rifle, the stock looks very traditional except for the absence of sling swivel studs. In addition, there is no extended, detachable magazine as in the Waypoint. The Boundary is fitted with the more conventional hinged floorplate.

Looking at the rifle from the left side and bottom reveals some interesting—and smart—enhancements most hunters will appreciate. Positioned near the toe of the buttstock on the left side is a quick-detach sling swivel socket. There is another one on the left side of the fore-end, about 2 inches from the end. These allow easy attachment and removal of a sling, and since the sockets do not protrude from the stock, their positioning permits hunters to carry the rifle flat against the back in the American or African mode. Positioned on the bottom of the stock near the tip of the fore-end is what I consider the most useful feature of the Boundary rifle. Two M-LOK slots permit the attachment of a variety of shooting-support connections, such as a section of rail or the excellent M-LOK adapter for Spartan Precision Equipment bipod and tripod systems.

I tested three different loads in the Boundary rifle, firing 15, five-shot groups from a solid rest at 100 yards. The average group size was a very respectable 1.07 inches. Granted, this is not within the 3/4 MOA precision guarantee, but that guarantee is for three-shot groups with match-grade factory ammunition. The three loads I tested were all hunting loads, and while I did not measure the first three shots of every group fired, I’m confident the rifle would have no trouble meeting the Springfield guarantee. The rifle balanced well for offhand shooting, with the balance point about a half inch forward of the front action screw.

As well as the rifle shot, I did experience two problems. The first was with feeding. I could fit four rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo in the internal magazine box, but about half the time the bolt would fail to pick up the top cartridge. This could be remedied by pushing on the top round in the magazine box to level it out, but even then, feeding was a bit stiff. I think this issue was related to the geometry of the magazine follower, which seemed to want to tilt inside the magazine box. I’m confident Springfield Armory will get it sorted; the Waypoint and Redline rifles I’ve tested fed superbly.

The other issue was with the 129-grain Remington Core-Lokt Tipped load. At 3,010 fps this was a bit speedy from a 22-inch barrel, and on occasion the fired cartridge case was not fond of leaving the chamber. For about half the shots fired with this load, bolt lift was stiff. I tested this load in a couple other rifles and did not experience these issues. Though rare, it’s not unheard of for some factory loads to be a bit sticky in some rifles.

I think all the Model 2020 rifles from Springfield Armory are well made, but for me the Boundary is the best hunting rifle the company offers. With the Boundary, Springfield has modernized the traditional hunting rifle with a carbon-fiber barrel and stock, quick-detach sling swivel sockets and M-LOK attachment points. Based on how the Boundary shot, any missing will be the fault of the shooter and not the rifle. It could be one of the best hunting rifle buys of the year.

SPECIFICATIONS: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary

• Type: bolt-action centerfire rifle
• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor (tested)
• Barrel: 22”; carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless steel; 5/8x24 threaded muzzle with radial brake
• Trigger: TriggerTech Field, user-adjustable from 2 1/2 to 5 lbs.
• Safety: two-position toggle
• Magazine: internal box with hinged floor plate; 3+1 round capacity
• Sights: none; Picatinny rail included for mounting optics
• Stock: carbon-fiber AG Composites Sportsman
• Finish: Tactical Grey Cerakote
• Overall Length: 43”
• Weight: 6.94 lb.
• MSRP: $2,599 (springfield-armory.com)

ACCURACY RESULTS: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 

Load: Browning BSX Solid Expanding

• Bullet Weight: 120 gr.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,900 fps
• Average Group: 1.32"

Load: Remington Core-Lokt Tipped

• Load: Remington Core-Lokt Tipped
• Bullet Weight: 129 gr.
• Muzzle Velocity: 3,010 fps
• Average Group: 1.02"

Load: Hornady Precision Hunter ELD-X

• Bullet Weight: 143 gr.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,745 fps
• Average Group: 0.87"

Muzzle velocity is the average of 10 consecutive shots as measured by a Caldwell G2 chronograph at 10 feet. Accuracy is the average of three consecutive, five-shot groups fired from a sandbag rest at 100 yards.

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• This article was featured in the November 2024 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe.

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