Springfield Model 2020 Redline: Best New Bolt-Action Rifle?

There is a saying that only accurate rifles are interesting. While some history buffs may argue, I subscribe to that idea. What has been nice over the last decade or so is a growing trend toward out-of-the-box accurate rifles. Back at SHOT 2021 Springfield released the Waypoint 2020 bolt rifle. It was a lightweight tack driver that checks many boxes on my shooting checklist. I got a very close look at the rifle during a precision rifle class I taught in Idaho, and it performed well. However, rare is the day that Springfield will leave a great idea alone. So I was pretty excited when I got the email that a follow-up version of the Waypoint was in the works. The new rifle in the line now is the Model 2020 Redline.

Springfield Model 2020 Redline

The Redline is designed to deliver a lightweight, custom-grade hunting rifle. Springfield is offering the new rifle in both .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. One of the first things you notice is the minimalist Grayboe Trekker stock. This unique stock is ideal for hunts where light weight as well as ridged performance is important. The uniquely shaped buttstock ensures extreme light weight as well as rigidity and strength. Removable inserts beneath the recoil pad allow for an adjustable length of pull system and allow the rifle to be customized for a perfect fit. The stock also has three stud mounts, allowing for easy attachment of slings and bipods. One last interesting component of the stock is the inclusion of an integrated bubble level at the rear of the action. I consider this a luxury feature yet feel every precision rifle on earth should have one.

The Redline is outfitted with a 16-inch or 20-inch carbon fiber barrel. The free-floated BSF barrel of the Model 2020 Redline is jacketed in a roll-wrapped carbon fiber sleeve and loaded under tension. This means 95 percent of the carbon fiber sleeve doesn’t contact the barrel, providing cooling air gaps and promoting cold bore to warm bore repeatability. In addition, fluting under the sleeve reduces weight and increases surface cooling area. At the end of the barrel, we find the removable SA Radial Brake which effectively reduces recoil by directing gasses in an outward direction. A thread protector is included.

Suppressor-Ready Platform

Under the rifle’s muzzle brake topping off both the 16” and 20” barrels is 1/2×28 pattern threading, ensuring that you can easily equip the Model 2020 Redline with a wide range of suppressors. Springfield has partnered with the good folks at Silencer Central to offer all purchasers of Model 2020 Redline rifles — where legally applicable — a free “Tax Stamp” for acquiring a suppressor. The Model 2020 Redline pairs perfectly with their Banish Backcountry .30 caliber titanium suppressor.

The heart of the Redline is the Model 2020 action, precision manufactured from premium materials. It features dual locking lugs on a fluted bolt that runs smoothly down EDM raceways for perfect, repeatable engagement. In addition, an optimized extraction cam provides robust, reliable operation in any condition. I found the action to be very smooth and free of play and the dreaded chatter that we find in many off-the-shelf guns.

Springfield chose the trigger wisely. I believe the trigger is the most important interface between the rifle and the shooter. The Redline’s trigger comes from TriggerTech and features a low-profile, non-snag safety and employs the company’s Frictionless Release Technology. It’s adjustable from 2.5 – 5 pounds with a patented, free-floating roller for a crisp, clean, and repeatable pull. Due to its combination of cutting-edge design with state-of-the-art materials, the Redline is designed to consistently deliver the accuracy expected from a custom-grade rifle.

The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Redline

Accuracy Guaranteed

Accordingly, Springfield Armory stands behind the rifle with a rock-solid .75-MOA accuracy guarantee — for a three-shot group at 100 yards with quality match-grade factory ammunition, in the hands of a skilled shooter. Lastly, they have designed to gun to run AICS pattern magazines. With exceptional design, broad acceptance, and utter reliability due to the rounds feeding straight into the chamber, this magazine ensures you will have your shot – every time. The gun comes with a three-round mag, but you are free to run any mag in that pattern that serves your needs.

I was excited to find that Springfield was kind enough to send a rifle out for me to test drive. When the box arrived, I was like a kid at Christmas and tore it open. The rifle with the Greyboe stock has a unique look. It is indeed lightweight, coming in at only six pounds, it would be an easy carry for long hunts. In preparation for range day, the rifle would first include quality glass. The scope for this session would be the Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm. The scope uses Leopold’s Elite Optical System and provides superior dawn-to-dusk light transmission for a bright image when it matters most. It has high-performance glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity are solid. It would be a good piece of glass for the Redline.

Rounds Downrange

The model I received was the 16-inch barrel version in .308. With that, I decided that a suppressor would be a solid addition. With the partnership Springfield enjoys with Silencer Central, I thought my personal Banish 30 can would be a good fit. This suppressor works with both rimfire and rifle calibers from .17 to .300 Weatherby and can be configured in two different lengths. It is one of the quietest cans I run and fit the Redline perfectly.

Range day came and a 7 AM arrival was welcomed by 103-degree temps. It’s Arizona, so it’s par for the course. I would be using the new Federal Premium Gold Medal CenterStrike .308. This is a new addition to their precision ammo lineup and looked very promising. I would be running 168-grain and had a feeling it would pair well with the Redline. While I would normally set any precision rifle up on a bench and build a shooting base, I wanted to do something different with the Redline. The gun is primarily designed as a hunting rifle so a tripod was in order. My choice for today was the Kopfjäger K800 carbon fiber tripod with Reaper Grip Kit. It is built to handle harsh environments and is a tripod I would carry into the backcountry.

All set up, I ran a quick zero on the scope and we were off to the races. Springfield guarantees a ¾-MOA with the gun and that is no hollow promise. My first group was indeed ¾-MOA, and the following groups were the same or even slightly better. The Federal CenterStrike performed well, and I am absolutely going to need more. The trigger on my gun was set at 3.5 pounds, which is the bottom of what I feel a hunting rifle should be. The break was crisp and clean. The bolt throw was noticeably smooth and felt closer to a high-end custom gun as opposed to one I just pulled out of the box.

Built for the Field

While I am not and hunting legend, I have spent my time humping guns and gear across the fruited plain. One thing I know is that shots are not always time friendly and need to be made quickly. With that, I took the time to take several off-hand shots and was pleased with the results. The lightweight nature of the gun made getting it onto target a quick and easy affair. Add in a great trigger, good glass, and a suppressor, and my confidence in making an offhand shot was through the roof.

As with all range days, it was over quicker than I wanted it to be. The experience was good though and I started listing my takeaways. First is that the 2020 Redline performs as advertised. It is a comfortable gun to run and is as accurate as promised. While I did not burn through ammo, I was not shy about emptying boxes. The gun fed and extracted without issue and performed very well. I would personally keep this gun suppressed and without hesitation take it with me on my next hunt. If you are in the market for a solid game dropper, the Springfield 2020 Redline needs to be on your list of possibilities.

Springfield 2020 Redline Rifle Specs

Caliber: .308 WIN (7.62x51mm NATO)
Barrel: 16″ Carbon Fiber, Threaded (5/8×24), 1:10
Receiver: Model 2020 Stainless Steel, Mil-Spec Green Cerakote® H-264
Optic Mount: Picatinny Mount, Rem 700 SA Pattern, 6-48 Screws
Bolt: Fluted 4140 Tool Steel, Nitride
Stock: Grayboe Trekker, Olive w/ Black Webbing
Trigger: TriggerTech Adjustable, 2.5 – 5 lbs
Muzzle Device: A Radial Brake, Mil-Spec Green Cerakote H-264
Magazines: (1) 3-Round, AICS Short Action
Weight: 6 pounds
Length: 36.5 – 37.75 inches
MSRP: $2,299

On July 18, 2023, Ballistic reported:

Springfield Model 2020 Redline Rifles Launched

Borrowing from the vaunted Scout rifle concept popularized by Jeff Cooper, the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Redline comprises a serious take on the lightweight, multi-role bolt-action rifle. Tipping the scales around six pounds, the platform incorporates modern materials and styling for lightweight, compact hunting gun.

“The Model 2020 Waypoint set the standard for precision manufacturing, performance and accuracy from a premium, American-made rifle,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “The new Model 2020 Redline continues that tradition by offering backcountry hunters a rifle perfectly suited to their demanding needs.”

The 2020 Redline comes in four different options, chambered in either .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. Barrel lengths run either a compact 16 inches or a 20-inch carbon fiber-jacketed barrel. The muzzles come threaded, and the entire package sports an overall length as short as 36.5 inches. So bolting on a can for backcountry hunts becomes a real possibility.

The Grayboe Trekker skeletonized stock provides a striking appearance while simultaneously shaving precious ounces of weight. It tips the scales at a mere 28 ounces, with an included adjustable length of pull system. Three sling swivel studs and further lightening cuts elevate the platform further.

The stock also features an integrated bubble level/thumb rest located at the rear of the action. The location ensures shooters can check level without ever coming off the stock, keeping you into the gun, according to Springfield.

Model 2020 Redline Action

The Model 2020 Redline action utilizes dual locking lugs on a fluted bolt. EDM raceways keep the action smooth. The free-floated BSF barrel features a roll-wrapped carbon fiber sleeve. Fluting beneath the sleeve reduces weight and increases surface cooling area, according to Springfield. An optimized extraction cam keeps operation reliable, according to Springfield.

The free-floated BSF barrel’s tension loaded design keeps 95 percent of the carbon fiber sleeve from contact with the barrel. Fluting under the sleeve reduces weight and increases surface cooling area. An SA Radial Brake helps minimize muzzle rise for fast follow-up shot.

The rifle also comes with a TriggerTech trigger and low-profile, non-snag safety. The Frictionless Release Technology of the trigger adjusts from 2.5 to 5 pounds. Springfield guarantees .75 MOA for a three-shot group at 100 yards with match-grade, factory ammunition!

Free “Tax Stamp” From Silencer Central!

Finally, in partnership with Silencer Central, Springfield offers a free $200 “Tax Stamp” for purchasing a Banish 30 suppressor. Now that’s something we can all get behind! The .30-caliber can should make a great accessory to this rifle platform.