Unveiling the Stevens 555 20 Gauge
The crisp autumn air bites at your cheeks, and the anticipation hangs heavy in the crisp morning light. You raise your shotgun, your eyes scanning the horizon, waiting for the flush. In the world of shotguns, finding the right balance between quality, performance, and affordability can be a challenge. However, the Stevens 555 20 gauge has carved a niche for itself, offering a compelling option for hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike. This review aims to delve deep into the heart of the Stevens 555 20 gauge, examining its features, dissecting its performance, and ultimately determining if this over-under shotgun truly lives up to its promises and if it’s the right firearm for you.
The Stevens 555, manufactured by Savage Arms, has become a notable name in the affordable shotgun market. It’s a brand that aims to deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. The 20 gauge variant of the Stevens 555 is particularly popular, known for its lighter recoil and suitability for a wide variety of shooting disciplines, from upland game hunting to recreational shooting. The Stevens 555 line focuses on delivering an over-under shotgun experience without the premium price tag.
As the name suggests, the Stevens 555 20 gauge is a break-action, over-under shotgun. This means it utilizes two barrels stacked one above the other and is loaded by breaking the action open. Over-unders are often praised for their balance, pointability, and clean sight picture, making them a favorite among hunters and target shooters. The 20 gauge chambering provides a good balance of manageable recoil and effective stopping power for various targets. While this review concentrates on the 20-gauge model, it’s important to know that variations exist, catering to different preferences and shooting styles.
Exploring the Specifications
Let’s delve into the specifics that make the Stevens 555 20 gauge tick. The overall weight of the shotgun is a key consideration for handling and portability. Typically, it hovers around the six-pound mark, making it relatively light and easy to carry in the field for extended periods. The overall length is designed for a comfortable balance and maneuverability.
The barrel length significantly influences the shotgun’s performance. It affects the shot pattern, accuracy, and felt recoil. The 20-gauge often sports barrel lengths of twenty-six to twenty-eight inches, providing a balance between ease of handling and shot performance. The chamber length is usually a standard 2 ¾ inch, compatible with most readily available ammunition. This ensures compatibility with a broad range of shotshells.
The Stevens 555, often, comes with a set of screw-in chokes. These interchangeable choke tubes provide the user with the ability to fine-tune their shot pattern for different targets and distances. This is an essential feature for versatility, allowing users to adapt the shotgun for different hunting situations, from close-range flushes to longer-range shots. The inclusion of multiple chokes is a significant advantage for the price point.
The heart of the action involves the break mechanism. The shotgun generally uses a single selective trigger. This feature allows the shooter to select which barrel fires first. This is an advantage that helps preserve ammunition and adapt to different shooting situations.
The stock and forend often utilize materials like Turkish walnut or sometimes a synthetic composite. Walnut provides a classic aesthetic appeal while a synthetic stock offers durability and resistance to weather. The choice of stock material will greatly influence the aesthetic and feel of the shotgun. The finish often depends on the model, and care should be taken to maintain that finish.
For safety, the Stevens 555 is equipped with standard safety features to prevent accidental discharge. The manual safety mechanism is easily accessible.
Ejectors, rather than extractors, are generally utilized, that helps remove spent shells completely from the chambers for quick reloading.
Craftsmanship and Design
The overall appearance of the Stevens 555 20 gauge presents a clean and functional aesthetic. Its lines are generally streamlined, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation. The balance feels fairly good, and it sits relatively well in the hands.
The stock material and forend contribute significantly to both the look and feel of the shotgun. The choice of Turkish walnut offers a refined appearance, while the synthetic variant provides a more rugged aesthetic. The finish adds to the overall impression of the shotgun.
The build quality, in general, is appropriate for its price point. One must remember this isn’t a custom-made, high-end shotgun. Overall, the materials chosen reflect the cost-effectiveness that defines the Stevens 555.
The craftsmanship is, overall, functional. Attention to detail should be given to the care and maintenance of this firearm. Some owners may observe minor imperfections, but these are often minor and should not significantly hinder performance.
Performance and the Shooting Experience
Accuracy is vital. The ability to consistently hit your target is paramount. Accuracy testing at varying distances will give insights into how well the 20 gauge performs. The choice of chokes significantly impacts the shot pattern.
Recoil management is an important factor, especially for new shooters. The 20 gauge, known for lighter recoil, still delivers a noticeable push. The Stevens 555, due to its relatively lightweight build, may have a slightly more pronounced recoil compared to heavier shotguns.
Handling characteristics play a significant role in how enjoyable and effective a shotgun is. How easy it is to swing, track moving targets, and point intuitively can make or break a shooting experience. The weight and balance contribute to the handling characteristics.
The trigger is a crucial component that directly impacts accuracy. The feel of the trigger pull (weight, crispness, etc.) can be assessed during range sessions. A clean trigger pull is generally desirable for precision shooting.
The action, the mechanism that cycles the shells, should function smoothly and reliably.
The ejection system, if present, should extract and eject spent shells without fail.
The overall shooting experience with the Stevens 555 20 gauge is one of affordability, and the enjoyment is highly dependent on the shooter’s expectations.
Weighing the Positives and Negatives
The advantages of the Stevens 555 are numerous. The low price is undoubtedly a major selling point. This affordability makes it an accessible entry point for new shooters or a great backup gun for seasoned hunters. The lightweight design also increases the portability. The availability of choke tubes is a very functional feature that adds to the firearm’s adaptability.
However, no product is perfect. There can be some potential downsides to consider. Build quality, while adequate, may not match that of higher-priced shotguns. Some shooters may find the finish less refined.
Value and Comparison with Rivals
The value proposition of the Stevens 555 20 gauge is undeniable. Its low price makes it a very attractive option for those entering the shotgun market, or those who don’t want to invest a lot in a shotgun. When compared with other over-under shotguns in the same price range, such as those offered by Yildiz or CZ, it holds its own. The comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each model. The Stevens 555, in general, excels in its price-to-performance ratio.
Who is the Ideal User?
The Stevens 555 20 gauge suits a variety of shooters. The beginner will appreciate the ease of use and affordability. Youth hunters or shooters will often be attracted to its lighter weight and manageable recoil. Budget-conscious hunters looking for a reliable, all-around shotgun will find the 20 gauge a solid choice. Those new to the over-under platform or wanting an alternative to a pump-action shotgun will find it to be a good entry point.
Best Uses for the Stevens 555
This shotgun lends itself well to a variety of applications. The 20 gauge is a natural fit for upland game hunting (pheasant, quail, grouse, etc.). Its relatively light recoil and maneuverability make it ideal for pursuing these fast-moving birds. It’s also suitable for recreational shooting at the range. The 20 gauge can provide a fun and affordable experience for skeet, trap, and sporting clays.
Caring for the Stevens 555
Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to keep any shotgun functioning properly. You will want to follow these steps. Disassemble the shotgun according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean the barrels with a bore brush and solvent. Wipe down all metal surfaces and apply a light coat of gun oil to prevent rust. Clean the stock and forend.
Proper storage is also important. Store the shotgun in a dry, secure location, preferably in a gun safe or cabinet, when not in use. When handling, always follow the safety rules.
Final Thoughts and Verdict
The Stevens 555 20 gauge represents an attractive option for those looking for an affordable over-under shotgun. It delivers a satisfactory performance at a budget-friendly price point. The key strengths are the low cost, the lightweight design, and the inclusion of interchangeable chokes. The build quality, while not exceptional, is entirely acceptable for the price range.
We recommend the Stevens 555 20 gauge as an excellent choice for new shooters, those on a budget, and anyone looking for a versatile and reliable over-under shotgun. If you are searching for an affordable over-under shotgun without compromising functionality, give the Stevens 555 20 gauge strong consideration. It is a shotgun that can deliver hours of shooting enjoyment in the field and at the range.
