Tested True: Springfield Model 2020 Boundary

For 2024, Springfield grows it’s popular Model 2020 line with the launch of the all-new Boundary chambered in tack-driving 6.5 Creedmoor. If a small- to medium-sized game is on your to-hunt list, this ultra-accurate, low-recoil bolt-action will make an excellent field companion.

by Jace Bauserman

I get excited about new rifles, especially when I open the box and see a lightweight, racy-looking bolt-action chambered in one of my favorite calibers.

However, before we dive into this field test, I want to point out a few things about what the 6.5 Creedmoor IS and what it IS NOT.

Hornady brought the 6.5 Creedmoor to life in 2007. The goal was to create an ultra-accurate long-range target shooting caliber with low recoil and maximum shot-to-shot consistency.

The goal was accomplished. The caliber was popularized through articles, videos, word-of-mouth, etc. And just like that, a virtual 6.5 Creedmoor cult began. I’ve never seen a caliber explode in popularity as fast as the 6.5 Creedmoor.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent caliber, but it has shortcomings, especially in the hunting woods. The .264-inch bullet is a long-range assassin, and while aerodynamic, the 6.5 Creedmoor isn’t a screamer. Hornady purposefully did this to keep recoil low for competition shooters. The average muzzle velocity with a 140-grain hunting bullet is around 2,725 fps.

A 140-grain bullet drops quickly at this speed, which means energy is lost. Can you shoot an elk with a 6.5 Creedmoor? Absolutely. Do I label it a flat-shooting long-range elk killer? No! This caliber is excellent for small- to medium-sized animals. For elk, it’s solid to 250 yards if you can punch heart and lungs.  It’s great for small-framed hunters and youth. Keep these things in mind!

A New Rifle Chambered In 6.5 Creedmoor

Before this field test, I’d never spent time behind a Springfield firearm. Several buddies tote Springfield sidearms on their hips during elk season. I also know hunters who put their trust in the Model 2020 and AR fans who appreciate the price and performance of the popular Saint.

I was thrilled to be on the list of those trusted with putting Springfield Armory’s latest bolt-action creation — the Model 2020 Boundary — to the test.

Boundary rifles are available in two barrel options — carbon fiber and traditional fluted stainless steel — and in many popular calibers. My Boundary bolt-action sported a 22-inch free-floating, fluted stainless-steel barrel chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Model 2020 Boundary First Impressions

While the 100-percent carbon fiber AG Sportsman stock with hand-painted Rouge camouflage demands attention, my eyes went straight to the trigger for some reason.

I’ve been a TriggerTech fan for years, and at first glance, Springfield went the custom route and added a TriggerTech Field Model 700 trigger. This Field trigger is renowned for boasting a thin, curved design that fits the first index-finger knuckle. I’ve squeezed more than a few and can testify to their no-creep smoothness and adjustable 2.5- to 5-pound rating via the patented free-floating roller.

Of course, users get a top-mounted, non-snag safety along with the smooth trigger. Push forward for fire and back for safety; I appreciate its raised design and serrated surface to boost functionality.

While secretly hoping for the carbon fiber barrel, I wasn’t displeased with the fluted stainless-steel model. I like Springfield’s attention to weight savings via the full fluting and was thrilled to see the addition of an SA Radial Brake. I’m a fan of brakes. Their ability to reduce felt recoil is phenomenal. When you add a brake to a caliber known for low recoil, you can count on increased accuracy because shoulder abuse is non-existent. The brake is removable, and the barrel is suppressor-ready.

The stock and forearm (one-piece design) showcase QD cups for push-button sling attachment. I used this type of sling attachment in Africa, and I love it. You can take a sling off and add it back on in seconds.

Besides making scope mounting easy, I wouldn’t say I like Picatinny Rail mounts on bolt-action rifles. I prefer a simple drilled and tapped receiver; however, the Remington 700 pattern rail is detachable.

I like the old-school internal magazine. The bolt angle is set to 90 degrees, and the bolt is fluted. The rifle felt light and maneuverable and threw down off-hand extremely smoothly.

The Build

Springfield sent the Boundary with a pre-mounted Leupold VX-6HD 3-18×44 scope, which I used on the Dark Continent this past June. I’m ultra-familiar with this scope, and though it was pre-mounted, it wasn’t level. I fixed the problem using Real Avid’s Master Gun WorkStation and Master Grade Scope Mounting Combo.

I wish Springfield had added an adjustable comb height to the stock. The rail, combined with the ring height, prevented exact eye-to-optic alignment; however, the design of the bolt allows for easy optic mounting, even when mounting larger optics.

The rifle was ready for the range in less than 15 minutes.

Bore Sight

I’m old school, and I like it. I removed the bolt using the low-profile bolt stop on the Model 2020 action and lined the barrel opening up with the center diamond of Hornady’s Lock-N-Load paper target.

Next, with the gun locked on the bench, I used the elevation and windage turrets to walk the crosshairs to the aiming point. My first shot from 100 yards was perfect for elevation, but six inches left. I moved the windage dial to the right, and my next shot was nearly touching the bullseye. I love how quickly I got this rifle on paper and drove tacks. This says a lot about its build.

On The Range

My buddy Clay is a serious rifle shooter. He reloads his ammo and is one of the best long-range shooters I have ever seen. He stood by while I bore-sighted the rifle, then he watched me touch my first two rounds after adjusting the windage. He couldn’t help himself and had to shoot a round. Clay is a left-handed shooter, so we hit a little differently when we shoot each other’s rifles. That wasn’t the case with the Model 2020 Boundary. Clay’s shot touched my first two. This rifle is remarkably accurate.

Sadly, I have never shot an original Model 2020 Waypoint. However, two of my elk-hunting buddies told me they would put their Waypoint rifles — one chambered in .270 Win. and one in 6.5 PRC — up against any factory make.

Over five days, I shot the Model 2020 Boundary with the fluted stainless-steel barrel out to 650 yards with supreme accuracy. I rang steel and punched paper. I shot the rifle off-hand, seated from my BOG DeathGrip Infinite—Carbon tripod, prone, and off a bench. No matter the body position or the shot angle, this rifle filled me with shooting confidence. My best three-shot group beyond 300 yards was a five-shot 475-yard group with a diameter I could cover with the end of my coffee cup.

We don’t focus on off-hand shooting much, and I think we should. Shooting off-hand is a skill; some rifles are better off-hand shooters than others because of their build. Springfield’s new-for-2024 Model 2020 Boundary is an off-hand performer. I shot over thirty rounds off-hand, and the more I did, the more confidence this rifle provided. The short 22-inch barrel, 43-inch overall length, and 7.1-pound weight marry perfectly with the flat-bottom forearm of the carbon fiber AG Sportsman stock to provide excellent off-hand fit and feel.

Though I already touched on the trigger, it needs more attention, especially if you’ve never wrapped your finger around a TriggerTech. It won’t be for you if you like a thick, wide trigger. But if you’re into slim, sleek, and precise, the trigger on this bolt-action beauty will fill you with shooting confidence.

The bolt throw is smooth and fast, and the recoil is minimal because of the caliber, Pachmayr Decelerator Recoil Pad, and SA Radial Brake. Several times, I fired three-shot groups as fast as possible while remaining accurate, and never did the recoil bring my cheek off the comb or my eye out of the optic. I also love the smoothness of the bolt. Both chambering and ejection are silk.

The design of the four-round internal magazine is brilliant, and I appreciate that the hinged floor plate conceals the internal magazine.

My only complaint, which is a small one, is the Picatinny rail optic mount. It would be fine if the stock sported an adjustable comb height, but my cheek weld wasn’t perfect with the current setup.

Ammo Selection

Throughout my test of the Boundary, I utilized two Federal cartridges: the 140-grain Fusion and 120-grain Trophy Copper. While both performed remarkably well, Federal’s Fusion, which features a basic Soft-Point bullet, won the accuracy competition. I don’t know what it is about Fusion bullets, but most rifle barrels seem to love them. Despite not being heralded for their downrange accuracy, they shouldn’t be overlooked.

Final Thoughts

I have zero reservations about dropping $2,173 on this all-new bolt-action rifle. It’s a balanced, smooth shooter that performs and builds shooting confidence.