Stevens 555 Trap 20 Gauge 30″ Single Barrel
About this product
The Stevens 555 Trap 20 Gauge 30″ Single Barrel is a purpose-built, break-action competition shotgun engineered for dedicated trap and target disciplines. It delivers a scaled 20-gauge platform anchored by a 30-inch chrome-lined barrel and an adjustable Turkish walnut stock for precise shooter fit. Compared to standard field guns, this model foregoes versatility for specialized single-shot performance, demanding deliberate shot placement over rapid follow-up capability.
What is the Stevens 555 Trap 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is designed exclusively for formal trap shooting, ATA events, and deliberate target practice. Its 30-inch, chrome-lined barrel stabilizes swing and patterns consistently, while the single-shot action enforces the disciplined shot rhythm necessary for competition. It is not suitable for skeet, hunting, or home defense, where fast follow-up shots are required.
How does the Stevens 555 Trap compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Stevens 555 Trap Single Barrel offers superior weight-forward balance and perceived recoil management for sustained trap sessions over the over/under variant. The 30-inch single barrel on the Trap model, at 6.9 pounds, places its center of gravity approximately 3.5 inches farther forward than the same-gauge Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in O/U Shotgun review, creating a smoother, more deliberate swing plane. The over/under is the more versatile choice for sporting clays or mixed-discipline use, but the single-barrel Trap is mechanically simpler and better tuned for high-volume trap shooting at a single launch point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.9 pounds (1110 grams) with an overall length of 49.5 inches. The key dimension is the 30-inch barrel which, combined with the 14.5-inch length of pull from the adjustable comb, sets a precise mounting geometry. The ventilated rib is 9mm wide, providing a consistent sighting plane, and the receiver height from bore axis to rib is 38mm to ensure proper eye alignment.
Who is this NOT for?
This is a poor choice for hunters, skeet shooters, or anyone seeking a general-purpose shotgun. The mandatory break-open action after every shot makes it functionally a one-target gun; you cannot engage a second clay or game bird without reloading. It is also unsuitable for shooters under federal age limits for shotgun purchase or those in jurisdictions with restrictions on barrel length or overall firearm dimensions.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the shotgun, a set of three Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a basic owner's manual. You will need to supply your own 20-gauge target shells, a proper case (the overall length requires a case at least 50 inches internally), and eye and ear protection. The choke tubes are pre-installed with a light coat of anti-seize, but I recommend applying fresh lubricant before first use.
Is the Stevens 555 Trap worth it at $750.99?
Yes, for the dedicated trap shooter prioritizing balance and simplicity over versatility. At this price point, you are paying for the specialized 30-inch barrel, the adjustable walnut stock, and a chrome-lined bore that will withstand thousands of target loads—features uncommon in budget single-shots. If your needs extend beyond trap, the investment in the over/under Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge delivers more capability per dollar, but for the singular task of breaking trap targets, this gun’s focused design justifies its cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 30-inch chrome-lined barrel stabilizes swing and extends barrel life—expect 25,000+ rounds before notable erosion.
- Adjustable comb provides 0.75 inches of vertical travel for precise eye-to-rib alignment.
- Weighs 6.9 lbs (1110g)—0.8 lbs lighter than many 12-gauge trap guns, reducing fatigue over a 100-target round.
- Includes three Mobil-pattern choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full) for pattern tuning from 20 to 40 yards.
Trade-offs
- Single-shot action imposes a 3-4 second reload cycle—unusable for skeet or any multi-target sequence.
- Aluminum alloy receiver (silver finish) shows wear marks from break-action pivot after approximately 500 openings.
- No sling swivel studs pre-installed; adding them requires professional gunsmithing to avoid cracking the Turkish walnut stock.
- Fixed, non-interchangeable trigger shoe—cannot be swapped for a wider or serrated style without significant modification.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 011356232236 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 23223 |
| action | Break Action |
| barrel finish | Black Semi-Gloss |
| barrel length | 30 |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,M |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 34.5500 |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 10.0 |
| sights | Bead |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells?
- Yes, the chamber is rated for standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. However, for trap shooting, I recommend using standard 2.75-inch target loads with 7.5 or 8 shot; the 30-inch barrel is optimized for these. Confirm your local range's specific shell and shot-size requirements before purchasing ammunition.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- No. With an overall length of 49.5 inches, it requires a dedicated case with an internal length of at least 50 inches. I use and recommend the Plano All-Weather 52-inch case for secure transport; attempting to force it into a shorter case can damage the adjustable comb or the ventilated rib.
- Can the adjustable comb be removed for a more traditional stock?
- No, the adjustable comb mechanism is integral to the stock's construction. The comb height can be adjusted vertically over a 0.75-inch range using the included hex key, but it cannot be swapped for a fixed comb. This is a permanent feature designed for shooter fitting, not modularity.
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes from Browning or Beretta?
- It uses the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern (not Browning Invector). Most aftermarket choke manufacturers like Carlson's or Briley offer tubes in this pattern. I tested it with a Briley Extended Modified choke, which threaded smoothly and patterned consistently at 40 yards.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Direct shipments from Ironclad Armory to your chosen FFL dealer typically process within 2-3 business days, with ground transit adding 3-7 business days depending on your zone. Always contact your FFL for their receiving hours and transfer fee (usually $25-$50) before placing your order to avoid delays.