TFB Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC

TFB Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC with Carbon Fiber Barrel

For the early day-breakers among us, you will have noticed that the mornings are getting crisp and it's getting to be “that time of year again” - hunting season. If you consider yourself a hunter or huntress, you will have noticed in the last decade how the landscape of bolt-action rifles has been evolving. While a wood stock can be gorgeous and classical, carbon fiber is all the rage. Strength, rigidity, lightweight, rad colors, you name it. Then, you tie in other modern accoutrements like a carbon fiber sleeved barrel, M-LOK attachments, and a custom action and it's the stuff of dreams.

The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint is a phenomenal presentation of these new desired features, and I love the one I own, but what if you want something with more traditional contours? That is where the new Model 2020 Boundary might be right up your alley. A bevy of carbon fiber throughout yet you get a more streamlined profile for hunters. I deployed a Model 2020 Boundary for hunting black bear in Minnesota as well as several range sessions to see if it is worth its $2,599 asking price. Let’s see if this rifle delivers!

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Specifications - Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC

The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary is currently being chambered in the 7 common hunting cartridges of 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, and 300 PRC.

• Cartridge: 7mm PRC
• Colorway: Rogue Camo
• Barrel: 24" Carbon Fiber, 1 in 8” Twist, Tactical Grey Cerakote® H-227
• Receiver: Model 2020 Stainless Steel, Tactical Grey Cerakote® H-227
• Optic Mounting: Picatinny Mount, Rem 700 SA Pattern, 6-48 Screws
• Bolt: Fluted 4140 Tool Steel, Nitride
• Stock: AG Sportsman, Carbon Fiber, M-Lok®, QD Cups
• Trigger: TriggerTech Adjustable, 2.5 - 5 lbs
• Muzzle Device: SA Radial Brake, Tactical Grey Cerakote® H-227
• Magazine: 3-Round Internal
• Weight: 7 Lb
• Length: 46"
• MSRP: $2,599

While we are looking at the Model 2020 Boundary in 7mm PRC with a carbon fiber barrel specifically today, you have a lot more options than that. With two barrel choices - stainless steel or carbon fiber - plus 7 cartridges to pick from, it makes for 14 total offerings. The BSF traditional fluted stainless steel free-floated barrel has an MSRP of $2,173 and the BSF roll-wrapped carbon fiber sleeve free-floated barrel retails for an MSRP of $2,599.

22” BSF Fluted Stainless Steel Barrel - MSRP $2,173

• 6.5 Creedmoor | Rogue Camo | BAB92265CMY
• 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) | Rogue Camo | BAB92465PRCY
• 7mm Rem Mag | Rogue Camo | BAB9247Y
• 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) | Rogue Camo | BAB9247PRCY
• .308 Win | Rogue Camo | BAB920308Y
• .300 Win Mag | Rogue Camo | BAB924300WMY
• .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) | Rogue Camo BAB924300PRCY

22” BSF Roll-Wrapped Carbon Fiber Sleeve Barrel - MSRP $2,599

• 6.5 Creedmoor | Rogue Camo | BAB92265CMCFY
• 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) | Rogue Camo | BAB92465PRCCFY
• 7mm Rem Mag | Rogue Camo | BAB9247CFY
• 7mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) | Rogue Camo | BAB9247PRCCFY
• .308 Win | Rogue Camo | BAB920308CFY
• .300 Win Mag | Rogue Camo | BAB924300WMCFY
• .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) | Rogue Camo | BAB924300PRCCFY

As always, in the event that you should ever need service for your firearm, Springfield Armory has a Lifetime Warranty that stands behind all of their firearms. While I have never experienced an issue with my Model 2020 Waypoint over the years (and don’t suspect any issues from the Model 2020 Boundary), it is nice to know that you have that safety net and support from Springfield.

• QD Cups: The stock features front and rear QD cups for sling attachment.
• Rogue Camo: The AG Composites carbon fiber stock is dressed in the Rogue camo pattern.
• Pachmayr® Decelerator Recoil Pad: Made from a soft rubber blend, the Pachmayr Decelerator provides maximum recoil reduction and shooting comfort.
• Internal Magazine: The lightweight aluminum hinged floor plate is attached to a patent-pending one-piece bottom metal that conceals an internal magazine.
• Picatinny Rail: A detachable Remington 700 pattern pic rail is mounted to the action and houses two recoil pins.
• SA Radial Brake: The removable SA Radial Brake on the Boundary effectively reduces recoil by directing gasses in an outward direction. A thread protector is included.

A Word from Springfield Armory on the Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC

The Model 2020 Boundary is an exciting extension of the Model 2020 series of bolt-action rifles, and Springfield is rightly stoked to have brought it to market. Essentially, it is a Custom Shop quality rifle being delivered as a cataloged firearm. They share their thoughts on the announcement below:

“The Model 2020 Boundary chambered in 7mm PRC combines expert craftsmanship with exceptional precision. Featuring a 24-inch carbon fiber barrel, it offers classic lines and modern features. Built on the custom-grade Model 2020 action with a .75 MOA guarantee, it includes dual locking lugs, a fluted bolt, EDM raceways and an optimized extraction cam for reliable performance. The 100% carbon fiber AG Sportsman stock has a 13.5-inch length of pull, QD cups, and a Pachmayr® Decelerator Pad for comfort. The TriggerTech Field trigger provides a smooth, adjustable pull. The rifle also includes a detachable Remington 700 pattern pic rail, SA Radial Brake for recoil reduction, and an aluminum hinged floor plate attached to the patent-pending one-piece bottom metal with an internal magazine.”

What’s in the Box? Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC w/ Carbon Fiber Barrel

Not the most imperative question some of you might be pondering reading this review, but for prospective buyers, it's something important to know: “what’s in the box?” This rifle is equipped with a full Picatinny rail, numerous sling and bipod attachment points, and some of the basic components to get you up and running.

• Owner’s Manual
• Thread Protector: For use when not deploying the removable SA Radial Muzzle Brake.
• Rifle Case: A heavy-duty rifle case is included with each Model 2020. Its padded foam shell, adjustable interior Velcro straps and muzzle protector ensure the rifle and any mounted optics are protected during transportation.

***Leupold optic and Dead Air silencer NOT Included***

What’s the Upsell to the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC w/ Carbon Fiber Barrel?

So, what’s the elevator pitch? What is the 30-second car salesman monologue as to why you should bag one of these new Model 2020 Boundary rifles? The short answer is that you are getting a Custom Shop quality rifle in a factory-configured and readily-available package. The long form answer is that you are getting an accurized, custom action; a carbon fiber stock with all of its desirable attributes; and even a premium, aftermarket trigger with the adjustable Triggertech trigger they deploy. Here’s how Springfield explain the features:

• Custom-Grade Action: The heart of the Waypoint is the Model 2020 custom-grade 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.
• Carbon Fiber Stock: The barreled action on the Model 2020 Boundary is precisely fitted to the 100% carbon fiber AG Sportsman stock with hand-painted Rogue camouflage. It boasts a 13.5-inch length of pull, along with two QD cups and a 1-inch Pachmayr® Decelerator Pad for enhanced shooting comfort.
• Triggertech Trigger: The trigger stands as the pivotal link between rifle and shooter. The Boundary’s TriggerTech Field trigger boasts a low-profile, non-snag safety and employs Frictionless Release Technology™ for a smooth pull. It’s adjustable from 2.5 – 5 pounds with a patented free-floating roller, ensuring a clean, consistent action.

Range Experience - Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC w/ Carbon Fiber Barrel

One of the big selling points to all of the centerfire Model 2020 rifles is their 0.75 MOA accuracy guarantee. Since I knew I would be deploying this for black bear hunting, I wanted to confirm this accuracy proclamation so I could make an ethical, humane shot if given the opportunity.

To sight-in my rifle, I used some Hornady Precision Hunter 7mm PRC 175 Grain ELD-X ammunition. I have always had good accuracy shooting Hornady’s Precision Hunter line of ammo so I “gave them a shot” once again.

The rifle came outfitted with a Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 CDS-ZL2 scope from Springfield Armory to aid in this review. I confirmed that everything was torqued down properly from the factory, boresighted the optic, and then fired off some shots.

Seeing my 1st impact at 100 yards low, I adjusted higher. Second shot, I did the same. Third shot, I hit the bullseye. Then, I proceeded to shoot a quick 3-shot group. Within 6 rounds fired, I essentially sighted in my rifle and already achieved Springfield’s accuracy guarantee. I wasn’t surprised, but I was still incredibly impressed.

Hunting Minnesota Black Bear with the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC w/ Carbon Fiber Barrel

My next test in this journey was to take the Model 2020 Boundary black bear hunting. I, specifically, hunt in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northern Minnesota which is very remote and difficult to access. So, attributes like a carbon fiber stock, carbon fiber barrel, sling attachment points, and guaranteed accuracy are very important to me.

Additionally, I wanted to use a silencer as well. I don’t need to wax fondly about all of the positive attributes silencers give us, but for me, the most important was being able to quickly make a follow-up shot (if necessary) and to mitigate recoil so much that I could sight my shot (know where I hit).

My silencer of choice for most of my hunting exploits is the Dead Air Nomad-30. If you want to give the Nomad-30 a try on your own hunting rifle or other project you’re conspiring to complete, jump on Silencer Shop’s site because they make grabbing a silencer a breeze. The Nomad-30 weighs around 14 ounces, is rated up to .300 Norma Mag and has a range of mounting options and is 6.5 inches long so won’t add too much length to your barrel when you’re navigating brush or bringing up the rifle to take a shot. You can buy the Dead Air Nomad-30 from Silencer Shop through the link below:

With all of my prep and field work this year to be able to harvest a black bear, I never saw one while out in the field so I ended up empty-handed. But, such is hunting sometimes. Nevertheless, I was supremely confident that should an opportunity have presented itself, the Model 2020 Boundary would have performed wonderfully. Two years ago while reviewing the original Model 2020 Waypoint, I saw such success with my same Nomad-30 silencer.

Departing Thoughts - Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC w/ Carbon Fiber Barrel

So, what are my final thoughts on the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC rifle that I have been extensively testing for several months now?... Overall, this is an expensive rifle, but it delivers on its asking price. It has all of the best traits distilled into it, exceeds its accuracy guarantee when using quality ammo, and throughout all of my testing I never experienced any issues. No Failure-to-Feed, no Failure-to-Extract, no binding of the bolt, none of that malarkey.

This is a rock solid rifle and the old soul in me liked the more traditional contours of the stock as well. If you want a modern rifle that is Custom Shop quality without having to order up a custom rifle and inevitably waiting a year, I would highly suggest going all in on the Model 2020 Boundary. For me, 7mm PRC is not my favorite cartridge, but I have a lot of respect for it and Springfield has 6 other rounds for prospective shooters to choose from. 

In closing, I want to say thank you to Springfield Armory for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC rifle. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC rifle is something worth spending your money on? Would you take one with you hunting? Shoot a league or competition? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Springfield Armory and the Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC rifle in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

TFB is proud to partner with Silencer Shop as our preferred vendor for all of your NFA needs. Whether you are searching for a new suppressor, SBR, or trust, Silencer Shop is here to provide a seamless and fast service for your next NFA purchase. Head over to www.silencershop.com to begin your NFA journey.