Springfield’s New Heatseeker — Hands-On Review

The Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint was introduced in 2020.  My initial exposure to it came at the Athlon 2020 Rendezvous writer’s event.  Springfield has steadily added to the stable with various bolt-action Model 2020 models beyond the Waypoint, such as the Boundary, Redline, and, recently, the Heatseeker.  All are centered, pun intended, on the Model 2020 action.  

​Base Model 2020 Waypoint

The Model 2020 action is machined from a stainless-steel billet.  An integral recoil lug is part of the action.  A Picatinny scope base comes mounted via 4-6×48 screws and two recoil pins for extra stoutness. The receiver, bottom metal, barrel shank, and muzzle brake are Cerakoted. The one-piece bolt is created from 4140 tool steel.   The 2020’s bolt features spiral fluting to minimize binding even when dirty; a removable oversized handle provides sure-handed manipulation.  Dual cocking cams are present. The bolt receives a nitride coating for extreme durability, as well as its self-lubricating properties.  Lug rails within the receiver are wire EDM cut for further assurance of the smooth passage of the bolt.   While the Model 2020 is a proprietary action, it does follow the Remington 700 pattern, which eases concerns when choosing scope bases/rings and other aftermarket items.  

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​I consider myself fortunate to have handled each Model 2020.  All are phenomenally accurate and perform as intended.  While it would be hard to pick a favorite, I admit to being smitten by the latest—the Model 2020 Heatseeker.  Something about the Model 2020 action and BSF barrel being brought together by the Sharp Bros. chassis.  I was one of the first writers to receive the Model 2020 Heatseeker chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor (.308Win, another option) with its 16-inch barrel.  It was only right that when the longer barrel version 6.5CM Heatseeker with a 22-inch BSF barrel was available, I did not hesitate to raise my hand again. 

New Heatseekers’ Barrels

As previously mentioned, the first Springfield Heatseekers arrived with 16-inch barrels and were chambered in 6.5CM and .308Win.  I certainly understood the chambering decision and acquiesced with the 16-inch barrel.  After all, one segment of the firearms market that shows consistent growth and acceptance of suppressor use is hunting. A threaded rifle muzzle is now the standard. The advantages of using suppressors are hard to deny, such as sound reduction, recoil control, and flash suppression.    Hunting suppressors usually direct thread on the barrel, further saving weight by not requiring the attachment components on the rifle and suppressor.  

Rifle manufacturers have also reacted to the growing popularity by not only offering threaded barrels from the factory, but also shortening barrels, balancing ballistics with accommodating the installation of a suppressor.  However, for me, the 6.5CM performs best when it has the opportunity to operate from a longer barrel.  The “new” Model 2020 Heatseeker with a 22-inch barrel is damn near perfect, taking handling, weight, and ballistic performance into consideration, while still being able to host a suppressor without feeling like the German Paris Rail gun from WWI.     

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Sharp Bros Chassis

The Sharp Bros Heatseeker chassis is machined from a solid billet of high-strength 6061-T6 aluminum.  The chassis is a minimal 19 ounces.   A distinctive Sharp Bros 14-inch handguard contains MLOK slots on four sides for a bipod, light, night vision, ARCA rail, etc.  Quick-connect sling fittings are on each side of the chassis.  Sharp Bros has embraced the AR influence on the gun world with its Heatseeker chassis via pistol grip and buttstock.  

The chassis is set up for the installation of an AR buffer tube, thus facilitating the choice of buttstock.   The simplicity of this is borderline genius, allowing users a simple way to access a plethora of stock options.   Springfield Armory has chosen wisely here, utilizing a B5 Systems Precision Collapsible buttstock that is multi-adjustable; length and cheekpiece height. The Heatseeker chassis arrives with an Accurate Mag AICS metal 5-rounder.  The magazine is of single-stack design allowing for centerline feeding reliability as well as maintaining as much stock material as possible to support the action for better potential accuracy.  

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Springfield mates its Model 2020 action/Heatseeker chassis with a long-standing partner found on other Model 2020 models- BSF Barrels.  BSF takes a different approach with its carbon fiber barrels.  Carbon fiber is not simply wrapped onto a barrel. A roll-wrapped carbon fiber sleeve slips over a turned-down stainless-steel match 416R fluted barrel, then is tensioned between metal shoulders at the receiver and muzzle.  About 95% of the carbon fiber does not touch the stainless-steel barrel, creating air gaps and allowing air to flow around the steel and cool the barrel faster.  The carbon fiber used is designed to expand at the same rate as the 416R barrel, keeping it away from contacting the metal barrel as it heats, thus maintaining venting.   

New Heatseeker Supporting Gear

As with prior Springfield Armory bolt-action models, TriggerTech’s excellent Field model trigger is maintained for use with the Model 2020 Heatseeker.  TriggerTech’s patented free-floating roller tech provides an outstanding shooter/rifle interface.  Lock time is industry-leading and one of those attention-to-detail items that enhance accuracy.  A low-profile, non-snag, frictionless two-position safety is found on the right side of the receiver.  

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​Important parts of the accuracy equation are optic and ammunition. An EOTech Vudu X 2-12x40MM optic was mounted. EOTech designed the Vudu X lineup to give hunters and shooters the quality features they desire in an affordable package.  This starts with manufacturing in the Philippines.  The Vudu X offers great performance and features such as aircraft-grade 30MM tube, daylight bright illuminated reticle, flip-up lens caps, throw lever, battery, and capped turrets with .25 MOA adjustment.  

The 2-12x power range is damn near ideal for a hunting rifle.  The second focal plane reticle has two reticle styles available: the DP1 and BD1.  The BD1 was used for this project.  EOTech has equipped the Vudu X 2-12x with an illuminated center stadia, which can vary the light intensity of the central aiming point from dim to bright for daylight illumination, resulting in a defined aiming point for precision shot placement in any condition.

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​6.5 Creedmoor

The 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced by Hornady in 2007 for long-range target shooting applications. It has become a mainstay in the US hunting market, rivaling the ubiquitous .308Win.  This observation is supported by nearly every new hunting rifle that is introduced is chambered in the 6.5CM as part of its initial introduction.  The 6.5 Creedmoor typifies the short and efficient cartridge principle.  6.5MM bullets have a reputation for high ballistic coefficient (BC) rating as well as sectional density (SD).  SD is the ratio of a bullet’s mass to its cross-section.  All things being equal, a bullet with a high SD penetrates better than a low SD.  BC is a measurement of how well a bullet moves through the air.  

Velocity loss and impact of wind drift are minimized with the higher the BC rating as the round travels downrange.   The final sweetener with the 6.5CM is only moderate recoil. The 120-140-grain bullets have always attracted hunters/tactical/target shooters.  It is hard to beat 130 grains moving at nearly 3000 feet per second.  The new 22-inch barreled Heatseeker helps get the most out of the 6.5CM.  

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My “go-to” 6.5 Creedmoor hunting loads were chosen for use with the 22-inch Heatseeker.  These were also used in the previous Heatseeker evaluation.  This was done to compare if the excellent accuracy from the initial Heatseeker was maintained (it was), and more importantly, to compare the chronograph readings.  The specific loads were Hornady Precision Hunter 143-grain ELD-X and 129-grain SST.  The Federal load was the 120-grain Trophy Copper.  Berger’s excellent 144-grain Hybrid Target and 156-grainEOL Elite Hunter were also sent downrange.  Each saw the predicted bump in velocity with the 22-inch barrel, especially the Hornady 129-grain SST and Federal 120-grain Trophy Copper.  We are talking about 300 fps plus increases.  

Quality Time

The Springfield Armor Heatseeker EOTECH combo was initially sighted in at Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC) Range #1, cycling through the different Hornady, Federal, and Berger loads. Overall, accuracy was impressive with no load producing three-round groups over 0.75 MOA at 100 yards, backing up Springfield’s guarantee, with some bordering on 1/2- inch.  

Witnessing accuracy from the bench made a visit to the EVTC 650-yard Known Distance Range a must with the Heatseeker.   EVTC is properly set up to handle extensive test firing of a rifle like the Springfield Heatseeker.  As expected, recoil was minimal, with spotting your own trace and bullet strike on steel possible.  It proved very feasible to rapidly place multiple rounds on 500-yard man-sized steel targets.  At times, it seemed a round was still in the air with a previous shot, making the steel target ring out with an impact.

Another note of interest was how simple the EOTECH BD1 reticle made hitting targets at distance.   The benefit of holding directly on target after dialing in the correct adjustment is obvious.  However, the ability to place an appropriate hash mark on target is invaluable if in a hurry or in a target-rich environment with opportunities presenting themselves at various distances.  A favorite reactive target has always been the dastardly 4 ½ inch diameter clay pigeon.  A 100-yard zero easily translates into holding the correct hash mark below the main horizontal wire directly on target hits at 300 and 500 yards, thanks to the Heatseeker’s intrinsic accuracy—if you do your part.   

Improved & New Heatseeker

Many contend that the 6.5Creedmoor chambered in an accurate bolt action like the Springfield Armory Heatseeker is weapon evolution at its finest, with more accuracy than even a generation before could fathom, better ballistics, less recoil, and down-rangepower.  A trained marksman will definitely be able to put to good use the ballistic advantages offered by the 6.5Creedmoor Springfield Armory Heatseeker.  

SPECIFICATIONS: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker

• CALIBER: 6.5 Creedmoor (.308Win also available)
• BARREL: BSF 22–inch carbon fiber wrapped 1:8 RH twist 
• OA LENGTH: 45 inches stock extended 41.5 inches collapsed
• WEIGHT: 8.4 pounds
• ACTION: Springfield Armory Model 2020
• CAPACITY: Detachable 5-round magazine arrives with the rifle
• PRICE: $2355 MSRP

PERFORMANCE: