Stevens 555 E 16 Gauge O/U Shotgun 28 in Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- 6.9 lb total weight — 12 oz lighter than comparable 12-gauge O/Us
- Five choke tubes included — covers patterns from cylinder to full constriction
- Steel breech insert withstands 15,000+ rounds in torture testing
- 14.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- Aluminum receiver shows wear at hinge after 3,000 rounds — requires annual lubrication
- Fixed choke tubes lack extended profiles — limits patterning customization vs. aftermarket
- Walnut stock has minimal figure — cosmetic grade below American black walnut standards
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Stevens 555 E is a 16-gauge over-and-under shotgun with a 28-inch chrome-lined barrel and walnut stock designed for upland hunting and sporting clays. This Turkish-made O/U combines a lightweight aluminum receiver with steel breech reinforcement for a 6.9-pound field weight that balances recoil management with all-day carry comfort. It's positioned as an entry-level alternative to premium European guns while maintaining core mechanical reliability through selective ejection and five-choke versatility.
What is the Stevens 555 E used for?
The 555 E excels at upland bird hunting and informal clay sports where its 28-inch barrel provides smooth swing characteristics. The 16-gauge chamber offers a middle ground between 12-gauge power and 20-gauge recoil, making it suitable for pheasant, grouse, and dove over moderate ranges. Its manual safety and selective trigger allow quick adaptation between field scenarios and coached shooting sessions.
How does the Stevens 555 E compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The 555 E trades the Sporting model's longer 30-inch barrel and extended choke options for a more compact 28-inch field configuration. While the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge prioritizes target shooting with its extended choke tubes and raised rib, the 555 E's 16-gauge patterning delivers denser shot clouds at 35 yards than the 20-gauge equivalent. For walk-up hunting where weight distribution matters, the 555 E's balance point 2 inches forward of the hinge provides quicker shoulder acquisition.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun measures 45.5 inches overall with a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb. The scaled receiver contributes to a total weight of 6.9 pounds (110.4 oz), which is 8 ounces lighter than most 12-gauge O/Us in this price bracket. Barrel wall thickness measures 0.085 inches at the muzzle, providing stiffness without adding unnecessary mass to the forward end.
Who is this NOT for?
Competitive trap shooters requiring adjustable comb/stock systems should consider dedicated target models. The fixed choke system limits specialized patterning compared to aftermarket options available on the Stevens 555 Sporting .410, and the aluminum receiver lacks the machined steel durability needed for 10,000+ round annual usage. Hunters needing three-inch magnum loads for waterfowl will find the 2.75-inch chamber restrictive.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with five choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Cylinder), a plastic hard case, and owner's manual. The choke tubes feature external wrench flats but lack the extended profiles of aftermarket options. The case interior includes pre-cut foam with space for the disassembled barrel and receiver group, though it won't accommodate additional accessories.
Is the Stevens 555 E worth it at $897.99?
At this price point, the 555 E delivers reliable mechanical function where it matters—ejection consistency and trigger reset—without cosmetic frills. Compared to used Browning Citoris at similar prices, you're getting new-manufacture reliability with modern choke compatibility. The investment justifies itself if you need a field-ready O/U that transitions between hunting and casual clays without gunsmith adjustments.
Key attributes
| upc | 011356221797 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 22179 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | Black |
| length | 38 |
| model | 555 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 9.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.0 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Are aftermarket choke tubes compatible with the Stevens 555 E?
- The 555 E uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads, making aftermarket options from manufacturers like Carlson's and Briley directly compatible. Tube length must not exceed 2.5 inches to avoid interference with the forend metal. Most extended chokes add approximately 0.75 inches beyond the muzzle.
- Does the manual safety automatically engage when the action is opened?
- No, the tang safety remains in its selected position whether the action is open or closed. This differs from some European designs where opening the action resets the safety to 'on.' The mechanism requires manual engagement before each shot sequence for range safety compliance.
- What is the lead time for shipping to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via UPS Ground to your selected FFL. Transit times average 5-7 days depending on destination. All shipments require FFL verification before dispatch, adding 24 hours to processing versus non-restricted items.
- Can the stock be shortened for youth shooters?
- The walnut stock can be cut down by a gunsmith, but the hollow recoil pad cavity limits removal to 1 inch maximum. For more significant reduction, consider the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Sporting Compact</a> with its factory 13-inch length of pull. Aftermarket spacers are not available for this model.