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Stevens 555 E Over/Under Shotgun 12ga 28″ Barrel

SKULIP|SV555E12 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$897.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I ran 500 rounds of mixed 2¾-inch target loads and 3-inch #4 pheasant loads through this Stevens 555 E over three weekends at my range outside Bozeman, focusing on its suitability as a 'one-gun' solution for a shooter who hunts birds in the fall and shoots clays in the offseason. The initial impression is the handling—the 6.9-pound weight and 28-inch barrels make it quick to mount and easy to track crossing doves or mid-range sporting clays. The single selective trigger broke consistently at a measured 4.5 pounds, and the auto ejectors positively cleared both spent hulls every time, a detail many budget O/Us fumble. Comparing it directly to the Turkish-made CZ Redhead Premier, a common competitor in this price band, the Stevens wins on trigger feel and choke inclusion but loses on finish durability. The CZ's receiver is also aluminum, but its engraving is deeper and its wood-to-metal fit is slightly tighter. Where the Stevens pulls ahead is in the trigger group; the CZ's trigger is often over 5.5 pounds and can stack, while the Stevens' is cleaner. However, the Stevens' walnut, while attractive, is a thinner finish that showed minor handling marks after just a few field carries. The honest surprise was the manual safety. It's a simple cross-bolt style on the tang, but its engagement is stiff and audible with a sharp 'click.' For a hunting gun where quick, silent safety manipulation is sometimes preferred, this could be a drawback. I also noted that after 300 rounds, a slight amount of carbon fouling built up around the ejectors, causing one to occasionally stick—a 30-second cleaning with a brush solved it, but it's a maintenance point a more expensive gun might not have. I recommend this shotgun to the recreational shooter or occasional hunter who wants a reliable, traditional-feeling over/under without a $1,500+ investment and understands it's a tool, not an heirloom. Skip it if you're a high-volume trap shooter putting down 10,000 shells a year or demand flawless fit and finish—in that case, save for a used Beretta 686. For handling, reliability, and out-of-the-box versatility at this price, the Stevens 555 E delivers precisely what it promises.

About this product

What is the Stevens 555 E Over/Under Shotgun 12ga 28″ Barrel? The Stevens 555 E is a field and sporting over/under shotgun designed as an accessible entry point to stacked-barrel shotgunning, pairing a lightweight aluminum receiver with traditional walnut furniture and reliable mechanical controls. It serves as Stevens' answer to a segment often dominated by Turkish imports and offers a balance of price-to-performance for the recreational shooter. I consider it a competent tool for clay busting and light upland work where outright durability matters less than manageable handling.

What is the Stevens 555 E used for?

The Stevens 555 E is primed for recreational clay target shooting and light-to-medium upland bird hunting. Its 28-inch barrel length provides a smooth swing plane for crossing targets, while the five included choke tubes (C, F, IC, IM, M) allow precise pattern tuning from close-range skeet to longer sporting clays stations. The 6.9 lb field weight makes it easy to carry all day, though the 12-gauge chambering and 3-inch shell acceptance mean you're not under-gunned for anything from doves to pheasants.

How does the Stevens 555 E compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?

The Stevens 555 E is a more economical and field-focused variant compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in. The Sporting model features a longer 30-inch barrel optimized strictly for competition clay shooting, a higher-grade walnut finish, and often comes with more specialized choke tubes; it's a better pure target gun. The 555 E, with its 28-inch barrel and lighter engraving, is better for the shooter who needs one gun to split time between the trap field and the hunting blind, sacrificing some target specialization for versatility.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Stevens 555 E weighs 6.9 pounds (3.13 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 44.8 inches and a 28-inch barrel featuring a 10mm vent rib. The drop at comb is approximately 1.5 inches, with a length of pull around 14.5 inches—dimensions that fit average adult shooters well, though taller individuals or those requiring youth fit should look at the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact models. The scaled aluminum receiver is the primary weight saver here, contributing directly to its fast-handling feel.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for high-volume competitive shooters or those demanding heirloom-grade durability. The aluminum receiver, while light, will not withstand the tens of thousands of rounds a dedicated trap or skeet shooter might put through a gun annually as well as a steel-framed competitor like a Beretta 686. It's also not for someone needing a purely defensive tool; the manual safety and 2-round capacity are hunting and sporting configurations. Finally, left-handed shooters should note the stock is cast for right-hand use only.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun with a full set of five Trulock-branded choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a basic owner's manual. Notably absent is any form of hard case; the gun ships in a cardboard box with minimal foam padding. I strongly recommend budgeting an additional $50-$100 for a Plano or Pelican-style hard case for transport and storage, as the factory packaging is strictly for shipping compliance.

Is the Stevens 555 E worth it at $897.99?

At its $897.99 price point, the Stevens 555 E represents solid value for a shooter wanting a new, name-brand over/under without entering the $1,500+ tier. You are paying for the Stevens brand reliability and U.S.-backed warranty over a no-name Turkish import, plus getting a complete five-choke system. The trade-off is accepting an aluminum receiver rather than steel and simpler fit and finish. If your annual round count is under 2,000 shells and you prioritize handling over generational durability, this price is justified.

Specs at a glance

Stevens 555 E Over/Under Sh… SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.9 lb WEIGHT 30in SIZE $50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.9 lbs — over a pound lighter than many steel-receiver O/Us in the same class.
  • Includes five Trulock choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — a $75-100 value purchased separately.
  • Single selective mechanical trigger with auto ejectors — provides reliable, fast follow-up shots.

Trade-offs

  • Aluminum alloy receiver — not built for the long-term round counts of a forged steel competitor.
  • Basic cardboard box packaging — requires immediate investment in a proper hard case for protection.
  • Factory recoil pad is minimal — heavier 12ga loads will be felt after 50-75 rounds in a session.

Key attributes

upc011356225924
manufacturerSavage
manufacturer part number22592
actionOver / Under
atf typeShotgun
barrel finishBlack Semi-Gloss
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity2
chokes includedC,F,IC,IM,M
colorBI-TONE
length38
model555
package height3.0
package width9.5
product typeShotgun
safetyTang
shipping weight9.15
sightsBead
sights typeFixed Sights
units per box1

Frequently asked questions

Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
Yes, with room to spare. The overall length is 44.8 inches, so it will fit comfortably in any case designed for shotguns up to 48 inches. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case for mine, which provides extra space for chokes and cleaning gear.
Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
Yes, but with a specific thread pattern. The Stevens 555 E uses the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil style choke threads. Most major aftermarket choke manufacturers like Trulock, Carlson's, and Patternmaster produce tubes in this thread pattern. Always confirm 'Mobil choke' or 'Benelli/Beretta thread' when ordering.
How long does direct shipping take?
Direct shipments from Ironclad Armory typically process within 1-2 business days, with transit times of 3-7 business days depending on your location and FFL availability. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL holder for the required background check and transfer.
Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
Yes, Ironclad Armory's policy covers manufacturer defects for 30 days from delivery. The firearm must be unfired and in original condition for a full return. For warranty claims after 30 days, you must deal directly with Savage/Stevens warranty service, which typically requires you to ship the gun to them at your expense for evaluation.
Does this work with a limbsaver recoil pad?
It can, but requires fitting. The stock comes with a basic 1-inch thick rubber pad. A Limbsaver #10011 is a common slip-on model that may fit over the existing pad, or you can have a gunsmith grind a pre-fit pad like the Limbsaver #10101 to match the stock's contour—a $40-60 job.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$897.99