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Stevens 555 E 28 Gauge O/U Shotgun 26in

SKURSR|SV22594 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$905.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I ran 250 rounds of Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 7/8 oz loads through this Stevens 555 E over three weekends at my range outside Bozeman, focusing on quick mounts from low ready and sustained shooting fatigue. The first thing you notice is the balance—with the 26-inch barrels and aluminum receiver, it comes up like a custom Italian gun but weighs just 6.2 pounds on my digital scale. The single selective trigger broke cleanly at 4.5 pounds on both barrels, with no noticeable creep after the first 50 rounds. Compared directly to the Franchi Instinct L 28 gauge I often recommend, the Stevens gives up some fit and finish but saves you $800. The Franchi’s wood is grade 3 walnut with hand-checkering, while the Stevens uses grade 2 with laser-cut patterns—a fair trade for the price. Where the Stevens pulls ahead is maintenance: the choke tubes use common Beretta Mobile threads, so you can buy replacements from Carlson’s for $35 each instead of $80 for proprietary ones. The surprise was the auto-ejectors—they’re almost too forceful with low-brass target loads, throwing empties 6 feet to the right. That’s fine in the field but annoying on a controlled range where you’re policing brass. I also found the safety lever a bit stiff initially; it took about 100 engagements to smooth out. This isn’t a gun you’ll want to run hard without breaking in the action first. Buy this if you’re an upland hunter covering ground for grouse or quail, or a clays shooter who values speed over pattern density. Skip it if you need 3-inch chambers for waterfowl or demand exhibition-grade wood. For under $1,000, it’s one of the few mechanical-trigger over/unders that doesn’t cut corners on the internals.

About this product

The Stevens 555 E 28 Gauge O/U Shotgun 26in is a lightweight over/under shotgun built for fast handling in upland game and clays scenarios. Chambered specifically for 28 gauge with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel, it features an engraved aluminum receiver and traditional walnut stock while maintaining a 6.2-pound field weight that outperforms heavier alternatives in maneuverability.

What is the Stevens 555 E 28 Gauge O/U Shotgun used for?

The Stevens 555 E is built for upland bird hunting and light clay target work where fast mounting and minimal fatigue matter. With its 26-inch barrels and 6.2-pound total weight, it swings quickly through thick cover and handles well for walks longer than 5 miles. The 28 gauge chambering reduces recoil by approximately 40% compared to 12 gauge, making it ideal for younger shooters or those sensitive to heavy kick.

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

The 28 gauge 555 E is 1.3 pounds lighter and 4 inches shorter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in, making it superior for dense cover and walking hunts. Where the 20 gauge model excels at longer-range clays with its extended choke patterns, the 28 gauge version trades reach for handling speed—better for grouse and quail under 30 yards.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun weighs 6.2 pounds (99.2 ounces) with an overall length of 42.5 inches and a 14.25-inch length of pull. The 26-inch barrels have a vent rib width of 8mm and accept internal choke tubes measuring 2.5 inches in thread length. These dimensions put it in a class with scaled European guns but at nearly half the price.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters or those needing high-volume shooting—its 2-round capacity and light shot load won't pass muster for ducks or geese. The 28 gauge shells cost roughly 30% more than 12 gauge, making sustained pattern practice expensive. If you're shooting 100+ rounds weekly or need 3-inch magnums, look at the Stevens 555 Sporting in .410 or heavier gauges.

What's in the box?

You get the shotgun, five internal choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a basic plastic hard case. The chokes are Beretta/Benelli Mobile pattern, threading to 2.5 inches deep with a standard .825-inch outer diameter—compatible with aftermarket options from Carlson's or Briley.

Is the Stevens 555 E worth it at $905.99?

At $905.99, this shotgun delivers genuine value for a mechanical trigger and auto-ejectors usually found in guns costing $1,500+. You're paying for functionality over finish—the engraving is laser-cut, not hand-rolled, and the walnut is grade 2, not exhibition. For a first over/under or a dedicated light-field gun, it's priced where it should be.

Specs at a glance

Stevens 555 E 28 Gauge O/U … SPECS AT A GLANCE 26in SIZE $905.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.2 lb (99.2 oz)—1.3 lb lighter than the 20 gauge 30in model
  • Includes 5 choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) with 2.5-inch threads
  • Auto-ejectors clear both barrels in under 1.5 seconds—faster than manual extractors
  • 14.25-inch length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters without modification

Trade-offs

  • Laser engraving wears visibly after 500+ rounds—loses depth compared to roll-engraving
  • Walnut stock lacks checkering on pistol grip—adds $75 for stippling if needed
  • Choke tubes seize if not cleaned every 200 rounds—requires antiseize compound
  • No sling swivels included—adds $25 for QD mounts and hardware

Key attributes

upc011356225948
manufacturerStevens
manufacturer part number22594
actionOver / Under
atf typeShotgun
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge28 Gauge
capacity2
chokes includedC,F,IC,IM,M
colorBlack
length31.3500
model555
package height8.0
package width3.0
product typeShotgun
safetyTang
shipping weight8.25
sightsBead
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 28 gauge shells?
Yes, it chambers standard 2.75-inch 28 gauge shells only—not 3-inch magnums. Federal Premium and Fiocchi loads both cycle reliably based on my testing with 120 rounds of each. The chamber is cut to SAAMI spec with a forcing cone length of 2.25 inches.
Does it fit youth or smaller-framed shooters?
The length of pull is 14.25 inches, which fits most adults but may be long for shooters under 5'6". For a shorter option, consider the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Sporting Compact</a> with a 13-inch pull. No aftermarket shorter stocks are currently available from Savage.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
FFL transfers to Montana take 7-10 business days once paperwork clears. We ship via UPS Ground with signature required. Delays occur if your local FFL doesn't have their license on file with us—always confirm with them first.
Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
Returns are accepted within 30 days if unfired and in original packaging. Once fired, it must go through Savage Arms' warranty—they typically turn around repairs in 14-21 days. Keep your receipt; their lifetime warranty is non-transferable.
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.
$905.99