Springfield Armory continues to do things its own way. It is hard to argue against this, considering their extended run of success across multiple product lines. When the bolt-action Model 2020 Waypoint was introduced in 2020, many were surprised. The reason for this was that the Waypoint was not tactical in nature. Rather, the Model 2020 Waypoint was a blend of a hunting rifle and a precision rifle.
To date, the centerfire Model 2020 line up exists of four different models—the original Waypoint, Boundary, Redline, and Heatseeker. The Waypoint and Boundary rifles are available in short-action and long-action calibers. Plus, recently announced, Springfield Armory is offering consumers Model 2020 actions-only so they can build their own precision bolt rifle.
Each Model 2020 emphasizes different characteristics: lighter in weight, chassis adaptability, choice of carbon fiber or steel barrel, adjustable cheekpiece options, increased power via long-action calibers, and/or blending of these traits. I consider myself fortunate to have handled each Model 2020.
All are phenomenally accurate and perform as intended. While it would be hard to pick a favorite, I admit to being smitten by the Model 2020 Boundary chambered in 7 PRC. Of all the Springfield Model 2020’s, this one I wrote a check for and held onto.
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Building Blocks
The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary follows Springfield Armory’s established building blocks of success–proprietary Model 2020 action, AG Composites carbon fiber stock, TriggerTech trigger, and BSF carbon-wrapped barrel. What distinguishes the Model 2020 Boundary (Boundary) from the Waypoint model is a more traditional hunting-centered classic-style carbon fiber stock, along with a hinged floor plate in lieu of a detachable magazine.
The “classic” bolt action rifle stock over the last hundred years or so has been found effective in the widest variety of situations, body styles, and shooting positions. The Boundary’s combination of classic-style stock with hinged floor plates saves approximately a pound of weight from the Waypoint brethren. This is significant. The Model 2020 Boundary is a hunter.
The Model 2020 receiver is machined from a pre-hardened stainless billet. This makes sure that the dimensional accuracy is not affected by heat treating. An integral recoil lug is part of the action. The least amount of fixturing necessary is used to produce the Model 2020, which also helps to maintain tight tolerances. The one-piece bolt is created from 4140 tool steel. Springfield Armory’s exacting attention to detail with the Model 2020 action makes sure all elements important for accuracy are square and true to one another, i.e., action, receiver, stock, and barrel. What does this mean? Model 2020 action tolerances are tight and true, facilitating accurate launching of bullets when mated to stock and barrel. Speaking of which, the Boundary arrives with a .75MOA guarantee.
Built With Reliability
As with the previous Springfield Armory Model 2020 bolt actions, an AG Composites carbon-fiber stock and BSF carbon-wrapped barrel dominate the Boundary’s aesthetics as well as ergonomics. A fluted stainless steel barrel option is also available. Springfield mates its Model 2020 action with an AG Composites hand-laid pillar-bedded carbon fiber stock. The point of using carbon is to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio.
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The Boundary 7PRC used for this review weighs in at just over 7 pounds. The flat forend has a 4-inch metal M-Lok compatible rail embedded in the carbon fiber stock, giving the user options for sling and/or bipod attachments. Multiple QD sling pockets and embedded M-Lok keep the Boundary’s stock clean with no protrusions.
TriggerTech’s excellent Field model trigger is installed on the Boundary. It features TriggerTech’s patented free-floating roller for an outstanding shooter/rifle interface. The Boundary’s lock time is industry-leading and one of those attention-to-detail items that produce accuracy. The effects of a good trigger cannot be underestimated in terms of wringing out the most accuracy. A low-profile, non-snag, frictionless two-position safety is found on the right side of the receiver.
Match Made In Rifleman Heaven
Around the same time that Springfield Armory was introducing the Model 2020, Hornady was rolling out its 7 PRC cartridge. Similar to the Springfield Armory Model 2020-series updating bolt-action sporting rifles, the Hornady 7MM PRC is a modern take on the classic 7MM Remington Magnum with a boost in velocity as well as inherent accuracy.
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This is not an accident. Hornady took its experience designing cartridges such as the 6.5Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 300 PRC and applied it to the 7MM PRC. Hornady created the 7MM PRC with several important learned lessons, such as the base of the bullet out of the powder column, bullet bearing surface kept above the brass case’s neck/shoulder, and 100 percent powder charge fills for consistent ignition. Cartridge specifications are purposely tight in terms of chamber neck as well as bullet jump to rifling length. All of this is specified by Hornady to maximize the accuracy potential of the 7MM PRC.
The 7MM PRC and Model 2020 Boundary is a perfect combination of ballistic performance and accuracy. We are talking about true multipurpose roles…. stalking game while maintaining long-range punch across a clearing or field.
All About The Glass
An important part of the accuracy equation is a quality optic to go along with the cartridge and rifle. A Leupold VX-5D optic was mounted on the Boundary. The Leupold’s versatile 5-times zoom system provides a larger field of view at close ranges and better target acquisition at long ranges.
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The Leupold VX-5D utilizes a second focal plane reticle. While risking excommunication, I prefer the second focal plane for my hunting rifles. Leupold designed the VX-5D lineup to give hunters and shooters the quality features they desire in an affordable package. Leupold has equipped the VX-5D with an illuminated center dot, which can vary the light intensity of the central aiming point from dim to bright for daylight illumination, resulting in a defined aiming point for precision shot placement in any condition.
Sharp Teeth on the Boundary
A rifle that shoots well off the bench offers the shooter no excuses or alibis. Multiple groups were fired with Hornady and Federal 7MM PRC ammunition. Loads were Hornady 160-grain CX, and 175-grain ELD-X, along with Federal Premium 155 and 170-grain Terminal Ascent, and 175-grain Fusion Tipped. All nuzzle 3,000+fps. Overall, accuracy was impressive with three round groups under the magical 1-inch mark.
The Federal 170-grain Terminal Ascent took the accuracy title with a couple of legitimate 5/8-inch 100-yard groups! Three rounds into ¾-inch or better at 100 yards was the norm; most of the time, five rounds went into the ¾-inch. The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary is the type of rifle that leaves no doubt that it can perform if the user does his/her job correctly.
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7MM bullets have a reputation for a high ballistic coefficient (BC) rating for flight efficiency as well as sectional density (SD) for penetration once arriving on target. It is hard to beat a high BC and SD bullet moving at or over 3000 feet per second. A 200-yard zero keeps you 1.5 inches high at 100 yards and only 6 inches low at 300 yards. That is flat!
Accurate at Long Range
After the bench work establishing innate accuracy, the Model 2020 Boundary was taken to Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC) Known Distance and 3-Gun Rifle Ranges. A Warne bipod or BOG tripod was used for most of the testing. Steel silhouette targets out to 600 yards were engaged. Clay pigeons 300+ yards away were no issue, vaporizing when struck.
Importantly, no malfunctions of any kind were experienced even during the rapid operation of the bolt. This is crucial. The operational reliability of even a bolt-action rifle should never be taken for granted. I have witnessed various loading, chambering, and ejection malfunctions over the years. A cold bore shot was taken at every opportunity during the many visits to the range. The shot always landed where intended. Nothing instills more confidence in a weapon system—rifle, ammunition, optics, marksman—than the ability to place the first shot exactly as aimed.
Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary Specifications
- CALIBER: 7 PRC (multiple other calibers available)
- BARREL: 24-inch carbon fiber wrapped 1:10 RH twist
- OA LENGTH: 46-inches
- WEIGHT: 7 pounds 2 ounces
- ACTION: Springfield Armory Model 2020 long-action
- CAPACITY: 3-rounds internal with hinged floorplate
Performance:
| LOAD | Avg. FPS | Avg. 3-Shot Group @ 100 Yards (Inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Hornady 160gr CX | 3003 | 1.00″ |
| Hornady 175gr ELD-X | 2963 | 0.875″ |
| Federal 155gr Terminal Ascent | 3146 | 0.75″ |
| Federal 170gr Terminal Ascent | 3005 | 0.66″ |
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Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph for velocity readings.
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