Description
The Stevens 555 Compact, Over/Under, 28 Ga, 24″ Vent Rib Barrels, Black Barrels and Receiver, Turkish Walnut Stock, Ambidextrous, Bead Sight, 5 Choke Tubes – F,IM,M,IC,C is a scaled-down, lightweight over/under shotgun designed for smaller-framed shooters, upland hunting, and youth shooters. It offers the classic two-barrel reliability and pointability of an over/under at a price point that makes it a serious contender for budget-conscious buyers looking for a quality entry into the platform.
Key Features
- Compact & Lightweight: Built on a true 28-gauge frame, this shotgun is lighter and easier to handle than a 12 or 20 gauge, reducing fatigue in the field.
- Exceptional Value: At $593.04, it undercuts many competitors while still delivering core features like a Turkish walnut stock and five choke tubes.
- Ambidextrous Design: The manual safety is conveniently located on the top tang, making it equally accessible for right and left-handed shooters—no gunsmithing required to adapt it.
- Complete Choke System: Comes ready with five choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C), offering versatility for everything from close-range skeet to longer-distance pass shooting.
- Classic Turkish Walnut: Provides a traditional, handsome look that stands out in a sea of synthetic-stocked budget guns.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Barrel/Receiver Finish | Black |
| Stock | Turkish Walnut |
| Sights | Bead Front |
| Chokes Included | 5 (F, IM, M, IC, C) |
| Action | Over/Under, Boxlock |
Weighing in at just over 6 pounds, the 555 Compact is a dream to carry all day in the grouse woods or on a long walk for doves. The 24-inch vent rib barrels provide a clean sight picture and help with heat mirage, while the overall shorter length of pull compared to standard models makes it a natural fit for younger shooters or those with a smaller stature. Here’s the thing—you’re getting a mechanically simple, reliable action that’s easy to maintain. The chrome-lined barrels resist corrosion, and the gun ships with a hard case for protection. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This Stevens is a perfect first over/under for a young hunter graduating from a single-shot. It’s also an ideal lightweight companion for the seasoned upland bird hunter who covers miles of terrain and wants to save their shoulder. For the budget-minded clay shooter looking for a dedicated 28-gauge for skeet or sporting clays, this model offers a fantastic starting point without the four-figure price tag of many competitors. The ambidextrous controls make it a great option for families or clubs where the gun might be shared among shooters of different handedness.
Pros & Cons: The Practical Tradeoffs
Pros: The price is the headline. You get a lot of gun for under $600, including wood furniture and multiple chokes. The weight and compact dimensions are a major advantage for mobility. The 28-gauge offers a pleasant shooting experience with less recoil than a 20-gauge, yet still has effective range for game. The inclusion of five choke tubes right out of the box means you can hunt or shoot clays immediately without extra purchases.
Cons: As a value-focused firearm, you won’t find intricate engraving or a hand-fitted feel. The action may be stiffer initially compared to high-end models, though it smooths with use. Ammunition for 28-gauge, while readily available, is generally more expensive per round than 12 or 20 gauge—a key factor for high-volume shooters to consider. The fixed choke system uses standard, interchangeable tubes compatible with many other brands, but it’s not a proprietary system from a single high-end maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 28-gauge suitable for an adult beginner, or is it just for youth?
A: Absolutely suitable for adults. The 28-gauge is a legitimate hunting caliber for doves, quail, and squirrels, and is popular in clay sports. Its low recoil makes it an excellent choice for any beginner, regardless of age, who is recoil-sensitive.
Q: What is the length of pull on this “Compact” model?
A: The Stevens 555 Compact typically features a shorter length of pull, often around 13.5 inches, compared to the standard 14.5 inches found on full-size models. This is a critical dimension that makes the gun fit smaller-framed shooters properly, improving control and comfort.
Q: Can this shotgun handle steel shot for waterfowl hunting?
A: The chokes included are not specifically rated for steel shot. Always consult the choke tube and barrel manufacturer’s guidelines. For modern waterfowl hunting with steel or other non-toxic shot, you must use choke tubes explicitly rated for that purpose to avoid barrel damage.
If you’ve been looking for an affordable entry into the world of over/under shotguns that doesn’t sacrifice all the classic touches, the Stevens 555 Compact in 28-gauge presents a compelling case. Its combination of handling, features, and price is tough to beat for the practical shooter. See the full details on our site.
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