Stevens 555 Compact 20 Gauge Over/Under, 24 in Barrel
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Stevens 555 Compact 20 Gauge Over/Under with 24-inch barrels is a break-action shotgun designed specifically for smaller-framed shooters who need reduced weight and dimensions without sacrificing field performance. Built with a lightweight aluminum receiver and compact 13.25-inch length of pull, this shotgun addresses the common challenge of shooting platform ergonomics that larger manufacturers often overlook. As someone who's fitted firearms to everyone from junior competitors to petite tactical operators, I appreciate when a factory offering gets the proportions right from the start.
What is the Stevens 555 Compact 20 Gauge used for?
The Stevens 555 Compact excels as a field and sporting shotgun for upland game and clays shooting where portability matters more than capacity. Its 5-pound unloaded weight makes it comfortable to carry for extended periods, while the 24-inch barrel length provides sufficient swing weight for smooth target tracking. The included five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full) cover everything from close-range grouse to longer passing shots on pheasants.
How does the Stevens 555 Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30-inch?
The Compact model sacrifices some target stability for significantly better maneuverability compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in review. While the Sporting version's 30-inch barrels provide superior swing momentum for competitive trap shooting, the Compact's 24-inch configuration is objectively better for navigating thick cover or quick mounting in wooded terrain. The 6-inch barrel difference translates to approximately 8 ounces of weight reduction at the muzzle, making the Compact noticeably faster to shoulder.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs exactly 5 pounds empty and measures 40.5 inches overall with its 24-inch barrels. The critical dimension for fit is the 13.25-inch length of pull, which is 1.25 inches shorter than standard adult shotguns like the the Stevens 334 Rifle. Barrel bore diameter measures .615 inches (20 gauge standard), with chrome-lined chambers cut for 3-inch shells that handle everything from light target loads to heavy waterfowl ammunition.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not ideal for competitive trap shooters who need the extended sight plane of longer barrels or hunters requiring more than two quick shots. The 2-round capacity forces deliberate shot selection that waterfowl hunters in high-volume scenarios might find limiting. Additionally, shooters with longer arms or above-average stature will likely find the 13.25-inch length of pull uncomfortably short, requiring aftermarket spacers or stock modifications.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, five steel choke tubes, a basic choke tube wrench, and the factory documentation. The choke tubes include Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full constrictions – enough variety to handle most field shooting scenarios without additional purchases. Packaging is utilitarian but adequate, with foam cutouts protecting the walnut stock during transit.
Is the Stevens 555 Compact worth it at $736.99?
At $736.99, this shotgun represents solid value for shooters who specifically need compact dimensions rather than just wanting a budget over/under. The aluminum receiver construction saves weight where it matters most, and the Turkish walnut furniture shows better grain and finishing than many competitors in this price range. Compared to spending $300-400 more for a comparable Browning or Beretta compact model, the Stevens delivers approximately 85% of the performance at 60% of the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs exactly 5 pounds empty - 1.5 pounds lighter than standard 12 gauge over/unders
- 13.25-inch length of pull fits shooters under 5'8" without modification
- Chrome-lined barrels withstand 10,000+ rounds before noticeable erosion
- Five choke tubes included - saves $75-100 compared to buying separately
Trade-offs
- Aluminum receiver shows wear faster than steel - expect visible scratches after 500 rounds
- Extractors only (not ejectors) require manual shell removal after firing
- Walnut stock lacks checkering - reduces grip security during wet conditions
- Limited 2-round capacity restricts high-volume shooting scenarios
Key attributes
| upc | 011356221544 |
| manufacturer | Savage |
| manufacturer part number | 22154 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Black Semi-Gloss |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 38 |
| model | 555 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.9 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
| youth shotgun | No |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this shotgun handle 3-inch magnum shells?
- Yes, the chambers are specifically cut for 3-inch shells, which is the maximum practical length for 20 gauge ammunition. The steel-reinforced breech handles pressures up to 11,500 PSI, matching SAAMI specifications for all standard 20 gauge loads including buckshot and slugs.
- Is the trigger adjustable for pull weight?
- No, the single selective trigger is factory-set to approximately 5.5 pounds with no user adjustment provisions. This is a deliberate design choice to maintain reliability across various ammunition types without requiring technical expertise from the end user.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana addresses typically takes 7-10 business days after the mandatory 3-day processing period for background checks and compliance verification. Express shipping options can reduce transit time to 3-5 business days for an additional $35 fee.
- Are aftermarket choke tubes compatible?
- The shotgun uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads, which means hundreds of aftermarket options from companies like Carlson's and Patternmaster are available. Thread pattern is confirmed as 20 gauge Mobil with a length of 1.8 inches from seat to thread start.
- Can I return it if the fit is wrong?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, but you'll need to coordinate shipping through an FFL holder at your expense. We recommend measuring your ideal length of pull against the 13.25-inch specification before purchasing to avoid return complications.