This week we shoot the Model 2020 Rimfire Target, a black synthetic version of Springfield Armory’s Model 2020 bolt-action rimfire rifle released last summer. But whereas the 2020 Rimfire Classic we reviewed here last December featured a walnut stock and sporter-contour barrel, this new Target version is built with a reinforced polymer stock and a bull barrel.
The 2020 Rimfire is built on a round, 1.14-inch-diameter receiver that houses a bolt with two cocking cams that evenly distribute the force of a hunter’s hand as he works the bolt back and forth, eliminating canting and binding during the stroke. That and the bolt’s 60-degree throw produce speedy operation. The bolt handle is threaded, so hunters may swap it for another of their choice—but we don’t see why because this one is fat enough and easy enough for anyone to find and operate. The bolt itself is made of hard-chromed 4140 steel to resist corrosion and make it easy to wipe clean with a cloth after a range session.
A two-position safety allows the bolt to be opened and closed from safe or fire. The rifle is built with a single-stage Remington 700 pattern trigger, so users may buy and install any number of aftermarket triggers of their choice. The trigger is factory set at 4.5 pounds’ of pull, and is adjustable from 3 pounds, 1 ounce to 7 pounds, 3 ounces of pull. An American flag adorns the bottom of the trigger guard to tell everyone exactly where this bolt-action rifle is made.
Each rifle ships with one, 10-round detachable polymer magazine. It’s a rotary design similar to Ruger 10/22 magazines, and is cross-compatible with other Ruger 10/22-style magazines of greater capacity. The magazine sits flush with the belly of the stock, and the extended release is easy to find just forward of the trigger guard.
A one-piece Picatinny rail is factory-installed atop the action so users need only find rings and a scope of their choice. It is a standard one-piece rail that is interrupted; that is, it narrows as it bridges the gap from the front bridge to the rear bridge to provide more access to the chamber.
The carbon-steel barrel is 20-inches long and free-floated its entire length to prevent point-of-impact shift. It’s heavy—call it a bull barrel with its straight contour. Twist rate of the button rifling is 1:16 inches. The muzzle is threaded 12x28 to accept a suppressor or brake, if desired, and comes fitted with a protector.
All the metalwork is finished in matte blue to look sharp against the black-polymer stock. Since this is a target model, the stock is designed with a deep, vertical pistol grip to help you pull the rifle into your shoulder and eliminate cant, and a flat fore-end to make it easy to rest the rig on a sandbag. Sling swivels fore and aft stand ready to accept the sling of choice. A black rubber recoil pad functions mainly to reduce slippage in a hunter’s shoulder. It’s only a quarter-inch thick, which keeps length of pull at only 13.45 inches. And now, in addition to black, Springfield offers three more polymer stock colors: sage, OD green and coyote tan, all with black webbing.
The rifle feels great in our hands at only 7½ pounds and 38 inches long, and its pistol grip and flat fore-end make it easy to handle. With its basic black stock and barrel, the gun will take a beating all day long and keep looking good. Best of all, Springfield Armory guarantees the 2020 Rimfire Target will shoot 1-inch, three-shot groups or less at 50 yards with factory match-grade ammunition, all for $434 to $499. Learn more about it at springfield-armory.com.
