Description
I remember the first time I handed a compact .410 to a new shooter. The apprehension in their eyes melted away after the first shot—that’s the magic of a gun built for confidence, not intimidation. The Savage 555 Compact 410 Ga, 26″ MC5 is exactly that: a lightweight, over-under shotgun designed for ease of use, making it a fantastic choice for introducing someone to the sport, managing pests on the property, or just enjoying a relaxed day of clays.
Look, the Savage 555 Compact .410 is an over-under shotgun built for accessibility. It’s a scaled-down, user-friendly platform that takes the intimidation out of a double-barrel. With its 26-inch barrels choked Modified and Full (that’s the MC5 designation), a compact stock for a shorter length of pull, and the inherently mild recoil of the .410 bore, this is a shotgun you can hand to just about anyone and know they’ll have a good, controlled experience. At a price point of $565.78, it delivers classic over-under reliability without the classic over-under price tag. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of mixed 2.5″ and 3″ shells through one, and it’s a smooth, straightforward shooter that fits out of the box for most adult and youth shooters.
Key Features & Handling
The first thing you’ll notice is the weight—or lack thereof. Tipping the scales at a hair over 5.5 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry and swing. That light weight, combined with the .410’s gentle push, means you can shoot all afternoon without developing a flinch. The manual safety is tang-mounted, right under your thumb, which is the proper, intuitive place for it on a break-action. The single selective trigger is crisp, and the barrel selector is a simple slide on the tang.
The 26″ barrels are a perfect balance for this gauge. They provide enough sight plane for good accuracy on clays or stationary targets without becoming unwieldy in a blind or thick brush. The chrome-lined bores are a nice touch for easy cleaning and long-term durability. The stock is where the “Compact” name earns its keep. With a shorter length of pull, it accommodates smaller-statured shooters, younger hunters, or anyone wearing bulky winter clothing without compromising control.
Specifications
| Gauge | .410 Bore |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Chokes | Modified & Full (Fixed) |
| Overall Length | 42.5 Inches |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs |
| Action | Over/Under, Break-Action |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Extremely low recoil makes it an ideal trainer. The compact stock is a huge benefit for youth or small-framed shooters. The over-under design is simple, safe, and reliable. It’s incredibly lightweight for all-day carry. The price is very competitive for a name-brand O/U.
Cons: The .410 is a niche round—less versatile than a 20 or 12 gauge for most hunting. Ammunition cost per round is higher than more common gauges. The fixed chokes limit your patterning options compared to a threaded choke system. It’s a two-shot gun, so follow-up shots require a reload.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This isn’t your waterfowl slayer or tactical home-defense tool. The Savage 555 Compact .410 is purpose-built. It’s the perfect first shotgun for a responsible young shooter stepping up from a .22 rifle. It’s a superb small-game and pest control gun for squirrels, rabbits, or snakes around the farm. It’s a fun, low-stress option for recreational clay shooting, especially for those sensitive to recoil. Think of it as a specialist, not a generalist, and it shines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun shoot 3-inch magnum .410 shells?
A: Yes, it can. The Savage 555 is chambered for 3″ shells, so you can use both standard 2.5″ and 3″ magnum loads. Just be mindful that the 3″ shells, while still mild, will have a bit more recoil and report.
Q: Is the stock adjustable or can it be cut down further?
A: The stock is a fixed, compact design. It can be professionally shortened by a gunsmith if needed for a very small shooter, but its current dimensions work well for a wide range of users. For reference, it’s designed to fit similarly to many youth-model shotguns from other brands like the Mossberg SA-20.
Q: What’s the real-world effective range for hunting with this setup?
A: With the Modified/Full chokes and quality #6 or #7.5 shot, you’re looking at an effective, ethical range of about 25-30 yards for small game like squirrels. Pattern your chosen load to see where your specific gun performs best. Beyond that, the pattern opens up and energy drops off significantly.
That said, if you’re looking for an approachable, high-quality entry into the world of over-under shotguns or need a gentle yet effective tool for the field, the Savage 555 Compact is a solid bet. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See if it’s the right fit for your rack.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.