Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire Classic

Springfield Armory debuted its bolt-action design in 2020 with its Waypoint-series rifle, a classic turn-bolt with modern features for the modern shooter. It featured carbon fiber throughout, and it even earned an NRA Golden Bullseye Award. Since Waypoint’s introduction, Springfield Armory has worked tirelessly to expand its offerings. We’ve seen line extensions of the 2020 footprint ever since, like the 2020 Redline made to better serve big-game and predator hunters with its compact and lightweight configuration. Now the Model 2020 platform has expanded to include rimfires. Watch our video above to see this classically styled bolt-action rimfire in use on the range.

The Model 2020 Rimfire Classic, as you see here, is a perfect tool for anyone wanting to work on marksmanship fundamentals without having to break the bank. It is also a great trainer for anyone who’s invested in any one of Springfield’s centerfire models. It can serve as a small-game rifle and is a useful tool to pack along on any adventure. Springfield Armory catalogs this rifle alongside several others just like it. The key differences between these Classic models is the quality of the Turkish walnut, which ranges from Select Satin to Grade A, Grade AA and Grade AAA. There is also a Target model available, too.

The Classic model features a matte-blue steel receiver fitted with an interrupted Picatinny rail for optics. Matching the receiver finish is the matte-blue 20” barrel with a number one sporter contour. A target crown caps the muzzle on this Classic model, so, if you’re looking to run this gun suppressed, the Target version has you covered. A Remington 700-style trigger comes standard on the Model 2020 Rimfire Classic, and it is adjustable, so you can really dial it in to your preference point.

The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire Classic has a simple manual of arms, too. The safety is a two-position design, with forward to fire, and it is located on the right side of the rear receiver tang. On the right side of the receiver is the rifle’s blued bolt handle. Lifting it up 60 degrees will unlock the chrome-plated steel bolt. To remove it from the receiver, a quick press of the release lever on the receiver’s left side is all it takes while withdrawing the bolt rearward. The rifle feeds from a detachable box magazine, and its release is found just forward of the trigger guard. The 10-round magazine may look familiar, and that’s because it’s the same as Ruger’s famed rotary 10/22 magazine design.

Our testers thoroughly enjoyed shooting the Model 2020 Rimfire Classic. On the range, it handled and functioned flawlessly. The bolt’s chrome plating simply wipes clean, and the walnut stock earned its praises from other shooters nearby. At just over 6 lbs., empty, our testers noted that this is a rifle that can be carried and shot all day. Our testers appreciated the gun’s flawless functionality classically good looks. Our only gripe is the non-adjustable length of pull—small-frame shooters may find its fit a bit long. The Model 2020 Rimfire Classic is yet another example of Springfield Armory craftsmanship and dedication to the shooting sports.

Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire Classic Specifications
Importer: Springfield Armory
Action Type: bolt-action, repeating, rimfire rifle
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
Barrel: 20" matte-blued steel
Receiver: matte-blued steel
Magazine: 10-round detachable, rotary box
Sights: none; Picatinny rail
Stock: walnut
Trigger: adjustable
Overall Length: 38.25"
Weight: 6 lbs., 3 ozs.
MSRP: $529 (starting)