About this product

What is the Stevens 555 Compact 28 Gauge 24″ Over/Under?

The Stevens 555 Compact is a purpose-built over/under shotgun engineered for smaller-stature shooters who require a lightweight, maneuverable field gun that doesn't compromise on traditional mechanics. This 28-gauge variant features a 24-inch vent-rib barrel and weighs just 5 pounds thanks to its aluminum receiver construction with steel breech reinforcement. It ships with five interchangeable choke tubes (C, F, IC, IM, M) and delivers the crisp break-action reliability Stevens is known for at a price point that undercuts many European competitors.

What is the Stevens 555 Compact used for?

This shotgun excels in upland bird hunting and recreational clay shooting where quick mounting and low recoil matter more than high-volume firepower. The 28-gauge chambering generates 40% less recoil energy than a 12-gauge while maintaining effective patterning out to 35 yards with proper choke selection. Its 13.25-inch length of pull accommodates shooters with shorter arm spans or youth hunters transitioning from .410 bore firearms.

How does the Stevens 555 Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in?

The Compact 28-gauge is superior for recoil-sensitive shooters and dense cover maneuverability, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review dominates longer-range clay targets and waterfowl applications. The Sporting model's 30-inch barrel provides tighter patterns at 40+ yards and handles 3-inch magnum shells, but weighs 6.8 pounds—36% heavier than the Compact's 5-pound frame. Choose the Compact for grouse woods and the Sporting for open-field pass shooting.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun balances at 5 pounds exactly with empty chambers and measures 41.5 inches overall with its 24-inch barrels. The receiver width measures 1.9 inches across the breech face, while the Turkish walnut stock provides a 13.25-inch length of pull—2 inches shorter than standard adult shotguns. Barrel diameter at the muzzle is 0.62 inches with the included modified choke tube installed.

Who is this NOT for?

Serious waterfowl hunters should avoid this platform due to its 2.75-inch chamber limitation and light weight that struggles to absorb heavy magnum loads. The 28-gauge pattern density falls off sharply beyond 40 yards compared to 12 or 20 gauges, making it poorly suited for late-season geese or turkey hunting where extended range is critical. Competitive trap shooters will likewise find the short barrels and light frame too lively for consistent 25-station rounds.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun with five Beretta/Benelli-pattern choke tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, full), a proprietary choke tube wrench, and one 0.04-inch thick recoil pad spacer for length-of-pull adjustment. The factory packaging includes a basic safety manual and warranty registration card, but excludes any cleaning kit or case—plan to invest $40-60 in a padded soft case for transport.

Is the Stevens 555 Compact worth it at $742.99?

At this price point, it delivers exceptional value for niche applications where light weight and short reach are non-negotiable requirements. The aluminum receiver with steel breech insert provides durability exceeding many Turkish imports at this price, while the chrome-lined barrels resist corrosion better than unlined alternatives. Compared to custom-shortened youth models from Beretta or Browning that start at $1,800+, this factory-built solution saves over $1,000 while offering identical dimensional benefits.