Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker

Springfield Armory likely needs no introduction, as the company has been around in its current form since 1974 and is known for its excellent M1A rifles, 1911s and a variety of other quality firearms, such as the Kuna, Hellion bullpup rifle and more.

American Rifleman first reviewed the Springfield 2020 Waypoint back in 2020. That version of the rifle featured a 20-inch, carbon-fiber-sleeved, stainless barrel by BSF Barrels and a traditional-looking AG Composites stock. Oriented for long-range hunting, the 2020 series shares the Remington 700 footprint, which makes aftermarket stocks and accessories easy to find.

In subsequent years, Springfield Armory released the 2020 Boundary for more traditional tastes, 2020 Redline for lightweight trekking, and even a 2020 Rimfire. All models, save for the rimfire edition, share the proven formula of Remington 700 footprint, spiral fluted bolt and Triggertech adjustable trigger.

Back when American Rifleman reviewed the 2020 Waypoint, we noted that we “…couldn’t help but wonder if, considering Springfield’s history, a tactical-version Model 2020 rifle might be a logical future offshoot of the Waypoint hunting rifle. There’s no question that, with a few appropriate enhancements, the 2020 has the essential mechanical and ergonomic features necessary to be pressed into such a role.“

The 2020 Heatseeker appears to be such a configuration.

The Springfield Model 2020 Heatseeker Out of the Box
The .308 Win.-chambered Heatseeker arrives in a rectangular soft case with internal straps and a muzzle pocket. Its namesake 6061-T6 aluminum chassis, a collaboration with Sharps Brothers, weighs 1 lb., 3 ozs. Both the chassis and action feature a flat dark earth (FDE) Cerakote finish, complemented by an FDE B5 Systems P-Grip 22 and Collapsible Precision stock. Total weight before optics is 7 lbs., 7 ozs.

The chassis and handguard provide three QD swivel sockets per side and M-Lok slots. The B5 stock offers a length of pull (LOP) from 13.5 to 14.5 inches. The single-stage Triggertech trigger averaged 3 lbs., 6.5 ozs. for 10 pulls, and the two-position safety allows bolt cycling while activated. I found the pull consistent, clean, and pleasant. Same for the two-position safety, which I found to cleanly snick back and forth without complaint. With the safety activated, you are able to cycle the bolt and extract any round that might still be in the chamber.

The Springfield 2020 Heatseeker has a balance point right about the middle of the magazine well, a bit more to the rear than I prefer. However, Springfield clearly wants users to suppress the rifle. Unlike other 2020 models, the Heatseeker’s 16-inch, carbon-fiber-sleeved barrel does not have a brake or compensator, and instead has 5/8×24 threads with an FDE thread protector. A suppressor would bring the balance point a bit more forward for my liking.

The BSF carbon-fiber barrel is not unique to the Heatseeker and appears on other models within the 2020 lineup as well. The barrel is a lightweight 416R stainless barrel with 1:10-inch twist rate. BSF barrels have an air gap between the carbon-fiber and steel to allow for heat circulation. The goal is a barrel that’s lightweight but retains rigidity thanks to the carbon fiber.

Range Time
For testing, I mounted a Steiner P4xi 4-16X 56 mm scope on top of the included Picatinny rail and headed out to Peacemaker National Training Center in Glengary, W.Va. From there, I followed the standard testing protocol on the 100-yard Independence range before moving over to the 300-yard steel plate range.

Of the three ammunition loads I brought along, the favorite was Black Hills 175-grain boattail hollow point (BTHP) with an average group size (across 25 shots) of 1.094 inches, the smallest five-shot group being 0.64 inch and easily meeting Springfield’s 0.75 MOA guarantee. Fiocchi Hyperformance 168-grain Sierra Match King (SMK) was close behind with similar performance.

My sample rifle did have a notably sticky bolt cycle that interrupted feeding several times. Through testing, I found that applying significant lateral pressure on the bolt knob inward toward the action resolved the issue, and it fed smoothly from the included five-round AICS magazine.

I’m unsure what caused the sticky feeding, but inspection after the range session revealed several friction spots along the spiral-fluted bolt body that were contacting the rails inside of the action. Perhaps this is a break-in issue that would resolve over time.

Once the standard testing was complete, I moved over to the 300-yard line and set the 2020 Heatseeker up on a tripod. Ringing steel plates down to about 4-inch wide at 300 yards proved reliable fun, as always.

Final Thoughts
The Springfield 2020 Heatseeker is an interesting package. I quite liked the compact size, rugged good looks and excellent trigger. Accuracy was acceptable to me for considering the lightweight barrel. Overall, the rifle begs to be suppressed, which I think would make it even more compelling.

The 2020 Heatseeker has an MSRP of $2,355. That puts it into some fierce competitive territory along with the Seekins Precision HIT PRO M3, Tikka T3x ACE Target, and SIG Sauer Cross rifle.

Ultimately, none of those competitors bring the carbon-fiber barrel, however, which means the Springfield 2020 Heatseeker might just be the right combination of elements for someone looking for a “do-all” tactical-style bolt-action.

On Target

• Great styling with a high configurability
• Strong action
• Compact & convenient package

Off Target

• Bolt travel a bit sloppy and bound up during testing

Range Results

Note: Measured average velocity for 10 rounds fired in front of a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph placed about 12 inches to the right and 10 inches behind the muzzle. Velocity measurement took place outdoors at a temperature of 43 degrees and humidity of 76%. Accuracy testing consisted of five five-shot groups fired at 100 yards, shooting from a seated position with the rifle resting on a Caldwell Tack Driver bag.

Specifications