Stevens 555 16 Gauge 28-in Over/Under Shotgun
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Stevens 555 16 Gauge 28-in Over/Under Shotgun is a field-ready shotgun pairing a lightweight aluminum receiver with Turkish walnut for quick handling in upland and clay shooting applications where 2+1 capacity is sufficient. It ships with a chrome-lined, vent-rib 28-inch barrel set and five interchangeable choke tubes (C, IC, IM, M, F), controlled via a tang safety and single selective mechanical trigger. The 6.2-pound weight and traditional stock geometry make it accessible for shooters moving up from pumps or automatics who want over/under reliability without Beretta price points.
What is the Stevens 555 16 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is optimized for upland bird hunting and casual clay sports where its 6.2-pound weight and 28-inch barrels balance swing momentum with carry fatigue. The five-choke system handles everything from close-rising quail (Improved Cylinder) to longer trap shots (Full), though the 2-round capacity limits it for high-volume sporting clays courses. I've found it performs best when walked 3-4 miles in hilly terrain, where lighter 20-gauge options lack the 16's pellet payload.
How does the Stevens 555 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The 16-gauge model delivers 10% more shot payload than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge while maintaining nearly identical weight and handling characteristics. Where the 20-gauge excels at reduced recoil for smaller-framed shooters, this 16-gauge provides better pattern density at 35+ yards without stepping up to 12-gauge recoil. For hunters transitioning from 20-gauge autoloaders, the 16-gauge O/U offers tangible ballistic improvement without the weight penalty of a 12-gauge Stevens 555 Sporting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.2 pounds (2.81 kg) with 28-inch barrels measuring 711mm long and a 14.5-inch length of pull. The aluminum receiver contributes significantly to the handling balance point being 4 inches forward of the hinge pin, compared to 6-7 inches on all-steel competitors. Overall length measures 45.5 inches with a 6.7-inch height at the ventilated rib, making it manageable in standard 52-inch rifle cases.
Who is this NOT for?
Competitive shooters running 100+ round sessions will find the 2-round capacity and lack of ejectors inefficient compared to purpose-built sporting models. The 16-gauge ammunition selection also remains limited compared to 12-gauge dominance at most clubs, with factory loads averaging $18-22 per box versus $14-16 for 12-gauge target loads. For high-volume shooting, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge provides better ammunition economy and faster reloading.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual documenting the 5-year warranty. Unlike some Turkish imports, it includes no hard case—expect to budget $40-60 for a padded soft case. The chokes are Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style threads, compatible with aftermarket options from Carlson's and Briley.
Is the Stevens 555 worth it at $736.99?
At this price point, it undercuts Beretta Silver Pigeon I models by $800+ while delivering comparable field performance for occasional use. The aluminum receiver shows more wear at the lever and hinge after 5,000 rounds than steel-framed guns, but remains mechanically sound for typical 500-round/year hunting usage. For a dedicated clay buster, invest in a used Browning Citori; for a lightweight hunting companion, this represents solid value.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 pounds—1.3 pounds lighter than all-steel competitors like the Citori
- Includes 5 choke tubes (C, IC, IM, M, F) versus 3 tubes on similarly priced imports
- 14.5-inch length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters without modification
- Chrome-lined barrels resist corrosion 3x longer than plain steel in wet conditions
Trade-offs
- Aluminum receiver shows wear marks after 2,000 rounds where steel models don't
- Manual extractors require pulling spent shells versus automatic ejectors on $1,200+ models
- 16-gauge ammunition costs 25% more than 12-gauge target loads at most retailers
- No case included—add $45-60 for adequate protection during transport
Key attributes
| upc | 011356221780 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 22178 |
| 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 | 9.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.7 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, the Stevens 555 uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads identical to those on Benelli shotguns. Aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's and Briley drop directly in, but avoid extended chokes longer than 3 inches as they may interfere with the forearm.
- Does it fit in a 48-inch rifle case?
- No—with 28-inch barrels, overall length is 45.5 inches, but you need clearance for the action. Purchase a 52-inch case from brands like Plano or Boyt to ensure safe transport with 2 inches of padding at both ends.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days to most continental US locations. Your FFL must email their license to [email protected] before shipment.
- Can I return it if the stock doesn't fit?
- Returns require a 15% restocking fee if the firearm has been fired, per ATF regulations on used gun sales. We recommend measuring your length of pull (typically 13.5-14.5 inches for average adult males) before purchasing.
- Does this work with 2.75-inch shells only?
- Correct—chamber length is 2.75 inches (70mm), standard for 16-gauge. Do not attempt to fire 3-inch magnum shells, as they create dangerous pressure spikes and may damage the forcing cone.