I've never owned a "nice" bolt hunting rifle. I didn't hunt often and always either borrowed a rifle or used my late grandpas old deer rifle built off of an old Mauser action and chambered in .257 Roberts (I love that gun). In the interest of preserving that rifle and starting to go after bigger game more regularly I started looking at getting my own dedicated rifle. This is really something I wanted to buy once and with any luck use it for the rest of my life or pass it down.

So in comes the research. I was really torn between going full custom or purchasing something off the shelf. My criteria were that I wanted .300 Win Mag, and about as light of a rifle as I could get (taking rifles up and down a mountain will do that to a man ) Went around for a few weeks watching reviews and reading about different rifles and parts until I finally came across Springfield's Waypoint rifles, which conveniently enough, were now being offered in long action calibers. Every review I found of the 2020 was that its good to go. They have a .75 MOA guarantee from the facotry with many getting much tighter groups. Went back and forth for a bit but decided for my needs another few thousand dollars in a custom rifle just wasn't worth what the benefit would be. Really the only thing Springfield produces on this rifle is the action, the rest is aftermarket stuff. Carbon fiber barrel made by BSF and carbon stock made by AG Composites along with a Trigger Tech trigger. Took delivery of my rifle a few days ago. In my mind they are a factory "semi-custom" rifle. The action is based on the Remington 700 and is smooth as butter.

Initial thoughts are very positive. I topped it with a Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42 scope in Ultralite rings, added a Silencerco brake/mount, and a Spartan Valhalla carbon bipod. The bipod is easily removable with the push of a button and you're left with a very small/light Mlok mount on the rifle stock. Attaches just as easily. All in all I'm impressed so far. I'll add a range report in the next week or so.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Andyb,

Very nice! In a do-a-lot caliber that you can find everywhere.

I have a Winchester 70 from 1986 in .300 and I love it. Yours is much nicer, and you are right about toting a rifle all day.

Congratulations on a beautiful set up. Good luck in the high country. Elk steak awaits.

Very nice.
What did it top the scales at overall?

PC

We measured my cousins 6.5 the other day at 8.7 lbs set up similarly with a NF.

Andy:

A question. Did you consider any of the new competing calibers such as 28 Nosler, 30 Nosler, or 30 PRC?

I spoke with an elk guide a couple of years ago, and he was replacing his 7mm magnum with a 28 Nosler, for the additional velocity and range it gave him, particularly with long heavy bullets.

It's about 10 lbs all set up.

Artie, I did look at some of those calibers. I think they are definitely better rounds than the .300 WM. What kept me at the .300 is it's a caliber I know and also a common round. My fear with some of those others is they'll fall out kind of like my old .257 Roberts. So I wanted something that I know I'll more or less always be able to get, along with my familiarity. The other consideration was my friend that I typically hunt with in the backcountry has a .300 as well. We both liked the idea of having the same caliber out in the boonies.

Thanks for the answer. As a guy who owns a .25 Gibbs, I understand dead calibers.

Nice setup!
I am definitely looking forward to the range report(s).

Did a little painting earlier. Tried to get kinda close to the color of the receiver on the scope and top of the bipod. Happy with the results

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Andyb,

Alrighty, finally got time to go sight her in. Put 40 rounds through it. I'm still very impressed with this rifle. I was worried it would kick like a mule but I'm happy to report it did not. Ended up being a very comfortable rifle (not so much for those beside it ) I think I might adjust the trigger weight down just a little bit but the set weight from the factory isn't bad (about 4 pounds). Here's the best 3 round group I shot at 100 yards. Winchester 180gr 300WM. She's a shooter, and sometimes I get lucky I think next time I go out I'm gonna strap it down to a sled and remove me from the equation. I'm very happy with the purchase and can't wait to get in the field next season. In my opinion these rifles are absolutely good to go!