First Look: Stevens 555 20-Gauge Over/Under

by
posted on January 19, 2015

Stevens recently released two versions of their 555 budget over/under shotgun, a Turkish-made replacement for the discontinued 512. The new 555 is available in two gauges (12 and 20) with barrel lengths of 28 and 26 inches, respectively. It's a reasonably-priced, lightweight do-all field gun that won't break the bank or your back. MSRP is $692.

1. It's Basic But Functional
If you're in the market for high-grade wood, fancy engraving, or other adornments then this isn't the shotgun for you. If, however, you want a basic field gun with extractors, a plain matte finish and a single brass bead then this is your gun. Best of all, you won't have to worry about scratching an expensive over/under dragging it through the brush and briars.

2. The 20-Gauge Version Weighs Just 5½ Pounds
An alloy receiver and a slim, trim stock help keep the weight to a minimum on this gun. Recoil with heavy loads isn't particularly unpleasant, but if you're used to shooting a heavier gas-operated semiauto you'll notice a jump in kick, especially with heavy field loads. The recoil pad is thin, too, but it's a fabulous gun for all-day walks in chukar country or grouse coverts or for following a bouncing pack of beagles through heavy brush in search of cottontails.

3. Its Turkish Walnut Stock Is Among The Best In The Class
Inexpensive guns get inexpensive stocks, but the wood on the 555 20 gauge I tested was very nice. The straight-grain Turkish walnut has good-looking checkering and a Schnabel fore-end, and the 20 gauge version is particularly thin through the wrist of the stock.

4. It Is A Versatile Hunting and Clays Gun
The 555 has a barrel selector on the tang-mounted safety that allows you to instantly choose whether the upper and lower barrel fires first, and the gun comes with five choke tubes to fit just about every imaginable hunting and shooting situation, from skeet to high-flying doves.

5. The Balance Is Excellent
Pick the 555 up and swing it and you'll immediately appreciate how smoothly the carbon steel barrels cut through the air and how composed the gun feels. For a light shotgun with a relatively short overall length (42 7/8 inches) it isn't whippy and is very well-balanced, great for passing shots or skeet shooting.

Latest

LEDE Marlin Dark
LEDE Marlin Dark

Hardware Review: Marlin Model 1895 Dark

If you think lever-action rifles should only have walnut stocks and a blued-metal finish, then the new Marlin Dark series with its polymer buttstock and aluminum AR-esque handguard probably won’t be your thing. That’s a shame, because this recent offering in Marlin’s line of modernized, capable lever-action rifles has a lot going for it in terms of performance, functionality and fun.

ATN Shipping TICO LTV Thermal Clip-On

This thermal clip-on device is a huge night-time gear multiplier for hunters and observers, transforming any daytime scope into a thermal sight.

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

First Look: Montana Rifle Company Marshall Hunting Rifle

Montana Rifle Company (MRC) has announced its Marshall Hunting Rifle—a rifle the company bills as being 10,000 rounds in the making.

Spring Gobbler Gear Roundup

Mike Roux lays out his winter's turkey gear discoveries, just in time for spring gobbler season.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Signs on as Official +ONE Partner

The National 4-H Shooting Sports program has joined the +ONE Movement, a national mentorship initiative led by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) that encourages peer-to-peer mentorship in the hunting and shooting sports.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.