Savage Stevens 555 Over/Under Shotgun, 16 GA, 28″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.3 lb (100.8 oz) — 1.2 lb lighter than many 12-gauge over/unders like the CZ Drake
- Chrome-lined 28-inch barrels resist corrosion — expect 5,000+ rounds before noticeable bore wear with proper cleaning
- 14.57-inch length of pull fits 95% of adult male shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- Manual extractors only — adds 2-3 seconds per reload compared to auto-ejectors on the Browning Citori
- No included hard case — adds $60-120 for adequate transport protection
- Proprietary choke system — limits aftermarket options to ~3 vendors versus dozens for Beretta/Benelli
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Savage Stevens 555 Over/Under Shotgun, 16 GA, 28″ Barrel is a lightweight field gun built for upland hunting where maneuverability matters. It blends a durable chromed bore with classic Turkish walnut and a simple mechanical trigger system. This setup prioritizes a balanced swing and reliable function over complex adjustments, making it a classic choice for 16-gauge enthusiasts.
What is the Savage Stevens 555 used for?
This 16-gauge over/under is optimized for upland game hunting like pheasant and grouse across varied terrain. Its 28-inch barrels and 6.3 lb weight provide a smooth, fast swing for crossing shots in the field, while the chrome-lined bores resist fouling from standard target or field loads. The manual extractors and single selective mechanical trigger offer traditional shotgun handling that many hunters prefer for its tactile feedback.
How does the Savage Stevens 555 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The 16-gauge model offers a distinct ballistic middle ground between lighter 20-gauge loads and heavier 12-gauge shells, ideal for hunters who want more shot than a 20 but less recoil than a 12. While the 16-gauge Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in is better for longer-range clay targets with its extended sight plane, this 28-inch barrel version is superior in dense cover thanks to its more compact 45.28-inch overall length and faster handling. Both share the same receiver and trigger design, so the choice boils down to gauge preference for your primary game.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.3 pounds (100.8 oz), creating a neutral balance point just forward of the hinge pin. Its dimensions are 45.28 inches in overall length with barrels measuring precisely 28 inches from breech face to muzzle, and a length of pull of 14.57 inches, which fits most adult shooters without modification. The receiver measures 2.1 inches wide at its widest point, keeping the profile slim for easy carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the gun for high-volume competitive shooters who run >500 shells per weekend and demand automatic ejectors. The manual extractors require you to pull spent hulls clear, adding roughly 2-3 seconds to your reload cycle compared to auto-ejecting models. It's also not ideal for those needing more than a 2-round capacity for waterfowl hunting where regulations typically require a 3-shell plug anyway, but the permanent two-shot limit can be restrictive for some sporting clays disciplines.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three interchangeable choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and the factory manual. It ships with the choke tubes uninstalled and the action locked open for safety inspection, requiring about 5 minutes for assembly and function check. Unlike some higher-tier competitors, no hard case is included—just a cardboard shipping container with foam inserts.
Is the Savage Stevens 555 worth it at $750.99?
At this price point, it represents a solid entry into the traditional over/under market with no fatal compromises in materials. You're paying for a functional chromed bore system and genuine walnut that outperforms synthetic-stocked budget break-actions, though you sacrifice some finishing details found on guns costing $400 more. For a dedicated field gun that will see 200-500 rounds annually, this is a mechanically sound investment that should last decades with proper maintenance.
Key attributes
| upc | 113562217806 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 22178 |
| shipping weight | 9.4 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. At 45.28 inches overall, it fits easily in any case designed for 28-inch barrel shotguns, leaving about 2.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle end in a typical Plano All-Weather 108110 case.
- Is it compatible with Carlson's choke tubes?
- No, it uses Savage's proprietary choke tube system. The threads are unique to Savage/Stevens models, so you must purchase tubes directly from Savage or approved OEM suppliers like Trulock, which offers compatible tubes in their 'Savage 555 Series' line.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Most orders ship within 3 business days via FedEx Ground. Transit time is typically 5-7 business days continental US, but your chosen FFL's processing time for background checks can add 1-3 additional days depending on local volume.
- Can I return it if the fit is wrong?
- Yes, within 30 days of shipment, provided the firearm is unfired, in original packaging with all accessories. You must coordinate the return through an FFL, and a 15% restocking fee applies unless the item is defective. Contact Ironclad Armory support to initiate an RMA.