Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber is an over/under shotgun specifically engineered for competitive clay target shooting, combining lightweight aluminum construction with precise barrel geometry for consistent target breaks. This 6.8-pound sporting shotgun features chrome-lined 30-inch barrels, an adjustable comb walnut stock, and comes with five choke tubes to handle various presentations. Built on Stevens' proven mechanical trigger system, it bridges the gap between entry-level over/unders and premium competition guns while maintaining NFA-compliant features throughout.
What is the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U used for?
This shotgun is designed for competitive clay target sports including sporting clays, trap, and skeet, with the 30-inch barrel length providing optimal swing characteristics for consistent follow-through. The ported barrels reduce muzzle climb by approximately 15-20% compared to non-ported alternatives, while the adjustable comb allows precise cheek weld customization for different shooting stations. With a 3-inch chamber accepting everything from light target loads to heavy waterfowl rounds, it also handles limited upland hunting applications where longer barrels are manageable.
How does the Stevens 555 Sporting compare to the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon?
The Stevens 555 costs approximately $950 compared to the Beretta 686's $2,200 price point, making it a more accessible entry into competitive shooting without sacrificing core functionality. Where the Beretta excels with its forged steel receiver and hand-fitted lockup, the Stevens uses reinforced aluminum with steel inserts to achieve a 6.8-pound weight that's 8 ounces lighter than the Beretta. For shooters putting 500-1,000 rounds monthly through their gun, the Beretta's durability justifies the premium, but the Stevens handles recreational volume perfectly at less than half the cost.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 47.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 30-inch barrels measure 725mm with a 14.5mm vent rib, while the length of pull measures 14.5 inches with 1.5 inches of drop at comb. The aluminum receiver measures 2.75 inches wide at its thickest point, contributing to the balanced 40/60 weight distribution that prevents muzzle-heaviness common in entry-level over/unders.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for high-volume competitive shooters firing 10,000+ rounds annually who need the absolute durability of forged steel receivers. The aluminum construction, while sufficient for recreational use, will show wear patterns more quickly than premium alternatives like our Stevens 334 Rifle with its solid steel action. Tactical shooters needing rapid follow-up shots should consider pump-action models instead, as the break-action design requires manual extraction between shots.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and basic owner's manual. The chokes are manufactured to Browning Invector specifications, interchangeable with many aftermarket options, and the wrench features a torque-limiting design to prevent overtightening to beyond 15 foot-pounds. Unlike some competitors, it includes both flush and extended choke options for quick field changes during competition.
Is the Stevens 555 Sporting worth it at $948.99?
At just under $950, this shotgun delivers exceptional value for shooters entering competitive clay sports who aren't ready to commit to $2,000+ premium models. The combination of adjustable comb, ported barrels, and five choke tubes represents about $300 in aftermarket upgrades that come standard, while the Turkish walnut stock shows better figure than comparable models in this price range. For hunters considering the 20-gauge version, the 12-gauge offers better ammunition availability and pattern density for most applications.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 pounds — 8 ounces lighter than competing steel-receiver over/unders
- Includes 5 choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — $150 value compared to buying separately
- Adjustable comb provides 1/2 inch vertical and 1/4 inch lateral customization
- Ported barrels reduce muzzle climb by 15-20% for faster follow-up shots
Trade-offs
- Aluminum receiver shows wear after 5,000+ rounds — requires more frequent inspection than steel
- Manual safety only — no automatic safety reset between barrel selection
- Stock finish thin compared to premium guns — shows handling marks after 6 months of regular use
Key attributes
| upc | 011356187482 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 18748 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 30 |
| model | 555 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.05 |
| sights | Mid-Bead with Front Fiber |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, the Stevens 555 uses standard Browning Invector choke threads, compatible with most aftermarket choke tubes from manufacturers like Carlson's, Briley, and Patternmaster. The factory chokes are marked with constriction measurements of .005" for Improved Cylinder through .040" for Full choke. Always verify thread pattern compatibility before purchasing aftermarket options.
- Does it fit standard 12-gauge ammunition?
- The 3-inch chamber accepts all standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge ammunition from target loads to magnum hunting rounds. Maximum recommended pressure is 11,500 PSI for sustained use. For competitive shooting, I recommend 1-1/8 ounce target loads between 1,200-1,300 FPS for optimal pattern consistency and minimal recoil.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days via FedEx 2-Day Air to your selected FFL dealer, with tracking provided immediately upon shipment. All transfers require valid photo ID and completed ATF Form 4473 at the receiving FFL. International shipments follow ITAR regulations with additional 7-10 day processing for export compliance.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by our armorers, but fit issues typically require stock adjustment rather than return. The adjustable comb provides 1/2 inch of vertical adjustment and 1/4 inch lateral movement, which solves most fit problems. For significant length of pull issues, we recommend professional stock modification rather than return.
- Does this work with standard shotgun cases?
- The 47.5-inch overall length requires a 48-inch or larger case, with most standard 52-inch shotgun cases providing adequate clearance. The 30-inch barrels fit standard divider-style cases, but the adjustable comb may require a case with at least 3 inches of interior height clearance to avoid pressure on the mechanism during transport.