Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire Classic

by
posted on August 13, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

In 2023, Springfield Armory introduced a complete line of .22 Long Rifle-chambered rimfire rifles, available in both Target and Classic variants. In the latter models, the traditional styling has been paired with some great design elements to create one of the best bolt-action rimfire rifles available today. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to see what the company builds into its Model 2020 Rimfire Classic.

" I am a big fan of full-size adult rimfire rifles, and by adult, I mean it's just scaled like a big-game hunting rifle," NRA Media Editorial Director Mark Keefe said. "And the latest that we've seen is the Springfield 2020 .22 rimfire. And this is an entire line of guns."

Black Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Target propped up on a mossy rock with a bipod.
In addition to the Classic model reviewed above, Springfield Armory also offers a polymer-stocked Target version of its Model 2020 Rimfire.

Built in Turkey by Retay for Springfield Armory, the Classic variant comes in three different grades of walnut. Pictured in the review above is the AA grade design, which includes some nice figure, as well as traditional checkering on the forearm and stock wrist.

"We have a very interesting trigger design, which actually is based on the Remington Model 700. It's a Model 700 style, the later style, and there is some compatibility if you want to swap it out for an aftermarket trigger," Keefe said. "That said, the trigger on this is actually excellent. It's a single-stage. You have a nice, wide groove trigger blade here. This one came out at about 4 lbs., 1 oz. But if you take it out of the stock, you can actually adjust it to add a little more pull weight."

One of the most notable design elements of the Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire line is the use of a Ruger 10/22-style rotary magazine. Springfield includes a single rotary magazine with each rifle, complete with the company's crossed-cannons logo on the bottom, but all Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines are compatible with the rifle.

Man holding a rotary magazine next to a box of .22 Long Rifle ammunition with a Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic rifle in the background.

"Now this is a complete line from Springfield. It includes the walnut stock guns, but also there's a target version with a synthetic stock, a reinforced synthetic stock, that has a medium-contour, almost bull barrel," Keefe said. "Springfield Armory puts an accuracy guarantee on every one of these guns, and they guarantee three shots within a half inch at 50 yards. With the target version that I've been shooting, and with one of the walnut guns, that's pretty conservative. With the target model, I've had 10-shot groups that come in underneath a half an inch, which is remarkable."

Springfield also includes an extra cocking cam inside the bolt, allowing for an easier bolt lift and smoother operation, mechanically. A two-position safety selector is located just to the right of the receiver tang within easy reach of a shooter's thumb, and the 13.45" length of pull can be adjusted with the addition of a spacer block.

Safety selector on the right side of the Springfield Model 2020 Rimfire Classic receiver.

" You don't see walnut stock guns, especially .22s, very often," Keefe said. "And this gun is just a delight to shoot, it's a delight to carry, and I must say that this fall, no squirrel is safe."

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/videos/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Springfield Saint Victor New Models 01
Springfield Saint Victor New Models 01

Springfield Updates Saint Victor AR-15 Lineup

Since 2019, Springfield Armory has offered its Saint Victor line of AR-15s with enhanced features, and for 2025, the company has updated those features to keep pace with consumer demands.

In Memoriam: Wiley Clapp

Longtime American Rifleman Field Editor and contributor Wiley Clapp passed away June 4, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Fiocchi Of America Joins The Kinetic Group, HEVI-Shot Moving Operations

The Kinetic Group has officially added Fiocchi of America—and exclusive rights to Baschieri & Pellagri in the United States—to its lineup of top ammunition brands.

Inside NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA has developed a new competition designed to promote better marksmanship with America’s rifle—the AR-15 platform.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 1, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Numerous Companies Offering Firearm, Ammo Rebates This Fall

Now that summer 2025 is drawing to a close, we'd like to welcome in the rebate season, and this year's specials are hard to ignore!

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.