Stevens 555 Over/Under 16 Gauge Shotgun
The Stevens 555 Over/Under 16 Gauge shotgun represents a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern reliability, making it an exceptional choice for discerning sportsmen and sportswomen. Whether you're an avid upland bird hunter, a dedicated clay target shooter, or someone seeking a versatile and aesthetically pleasing firearm, this shotgun delivers performance and pride of ownership. Its balanced design, lightweight profile, and the distinctive appeal of the 16 gauge cartridge position it as a truly remarkable firearm in any collection.
Discovering the Stevens 555 Over/Under 16 Gauge: A Comprehensive Guide
For those asking, "What is the best shotgun for versatile hunting and sport shooting?" or "Which over/under shotgun offers excellent value and performance?", the Stevens 555 in 16 Gauge frequently emerges as a top recommendation. This firearm, known by its UPC 650350408133, is meticulously crafted to meet the demands of various shooting disciplines while retaining a classic feel.
Why Choose the 16 Gauge? Unpacking its Unique Advantages
In the world of shotguns, the 16 gauge holds a special, often underestimated, place. It masterfully bridges the gap between the popular 12 gauge and the lighter 20 gauge.
- Optimal Balance of Power and Portability: The 16 gauge delivers a shot payload that is surprisingly close to a 12 gauge, yet it achieves this in a lighter, more nimble shotgun frame typically associated with a 20 gauge. This makes the Stevens 555 16 Gauge incredibly comfortable to carry for extended periods in the field, reducing fatigue during long hunts for pheasant, grouse, or quail.
- Recoil Management: While offering substantial knockdown power, the 16 gauge often presents a more manageable recoil impulse than a 12 gauge, particularly in a shotgun as well-balanced as the Stevens 555. This translates to quicker follow-up shots and a more enjoyable shooting experience, whether you're breaking clays or pursuing fast-flushing birds.
- Classic Appeal: For many traditionalists, the 16 gauge evokes a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for classic shotgunning. It's a gauge that speaks to a deeper connection with the sport, offering a unique shooting experience that stands apart from the ubiquitous 12 and 20 gauges. When considering the question, "Why should I try a 16 gauge shotgun?", the answer often lies in its unique blend of heritage, performance, and comfortable handling.
Key Features and Their Impact on Your Shooting Experience
The design and engineering of the Stevens 555 Over/Under are focused on delivering a reliable, precise, and enjoyable shooting experience. Let's delve into its core attributes:
Action: Break Action - Over/Under
- Reliability: The over/under break action design is renowned for its inherent simplicity and robust reliability. With fewer moving parts compared to semi-automatics or pump actions, there's less to go wrong, making it a dependable choice in all weather conditions.
- Balance and Swing: The compact nature of an over/under action contributes to the shotgun's superb balance, which is crucial for smooth swinging on moving targets, whether in the field or on the sporting clays course. This design inherently places the weight between the hands, promoting natural pointability.
- Two Quick Shots: An over/under allows for two immediate shots without the need for manual cycling, making it ideal for double-flushing birds or quickly engaging multiple clay targets. The ability to select which barrel fires first (typically the bottom barrel, which has less muzzle jump) adds tactical versatility.
Caliber: 16 Gauge
As discussed, this gauge offers a superb balance between payload and handling, making it highly effective for a wide array of upland game and clay target presentations. It's an excellent choice for someone asking, "What's a good all-around gauge for bird hunting and clays?"
Max Shell Length: 2-3/4"
This is the standard and most common shell length for 16 gauge ammunition, ensuring wide compatibility with readily available loads. This specification highlights that the Stevens 555 is designed to perform optimally with standard 16-gauge offerings.
Weight: 5.8 lbs.
At a mere 5.8 pounds, the Stevens 555 is exceptionally lightweight for an over/under shotgun. This makes it incredibly comfortable to carry throughout a long day of hunting, reducing fatigue. For clay shooters, the light weight contributes to faster mounting and swinging. This answers the question, "Which shotgun is easy to carry for long hunting trips?"
Length of Pull (LOP): 14-1/4"
A critical dimension for proper gun fit, the 14-1/4" LOP is a standard measurement that accommodates a wide range of shooters, providing a comfortable and natural mount for consistent shooting. Achieving a good fit is paramount for accuracy and recoil management, and this LOP is a widely accepted baseline.
Barrel Length: 28"
The 28-inch barrel length is widely considered the optimal choice for an all-around sporting shotgun. It provides:
- Excellent Swing Dynamics: Long enough to provide a smooth, controlled swing on moving targets, yet not so long as to feel cumbersome in dense cover.
- Consistent Patterns: Sufficient length to allow shot patterns to fully develop, ensuring effective and consistent performance downrange.
- Muzzle Velocity: Contributes to achieving optimal muzzle velocities for standard loads.
For those curious, "What barrel length is best for a versatile shotgun?", the 28-inch barrel on the Stevens 555 provides the ideal balance.
Choke: F (Full), IC (Improved Cylinder), M (Modified)
The inclusion of a set of interchangeable chokes (Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified) makes the Stevens 555 incredibly versatile.
- Improved Cylinder (IC): Ideal for close-range targets, such as quail or skeet shooting, providing a wider shot pattern.
- Modified (M): A versatile middle-ground, suitable for general upland hunting like pheasant or for sporting clays, offering a balanced pattern.
- Full (F): Designed for longer-range shots, such as challenging trap targets or pass-shooting ducks (though the 16 gauge is primarily an upland gun, the full choke offers maximum reach).
This set empowers the shooter to optimize their pattern for specific game, distance, or target presentation, allowing the Stevens 555 to excel in diverse scenarios.
Stock: AA-Grade Satin Walnut
Beyond aesthetics, the AA-grade satin walnut stock offers ergonomic benefits and durability. Walnut is a traditional gunstock material, prized for its strength, natural shock-absorbing properties, and timeless beauty. The satin finish protects the wood while allowing its natural grain to shine through, adding a touch of classic elegance that sets this shotgun apart. This feature speaks to the shotgun's quality and craftsmanship, making it a true heirloom piece.
Who Will Benefit Most from the Stevens 555 Over/Under 16 Gauge?
This shotgun is a superb fit for a variety of enthusiasts:
- Upland Bird Hunters: Its lightweight design (5.8 lbs), excellent balance, and the effective payload of the 16 gauge make it an ideal companion for long days pursuing pheasants, grouse, quail, and other upland game in varied terrain. The ability to quickly select choke tubes based on the hunting environment is a significant advantage. If you're searching for "best shotgun for upland hunting," the Stevens 555 16 Gauge should be at the top of your list.
- Clay Target Shooters: From trap to skeet to sporting clays, the Stevens 555's smooth swing, manageable recoil, and interchangeable chokes make it a highly capable performer on the range. Its quick handling and robust action are perfect for breaking targets consistently.
- Discerning Enthusiasts and Collectors: For those who appreciate classic firearms and the unique qualities of the 16 gauge, the Stevens 555 offers a blend of performance, aesthetics, and heritage that is hard to match at its price point. It represents a firearm built to be enjoyed and passed down through generations.
- New Shooters Seeking a Quality Start: While powerful, the 16 gauge's manageable recoil and the inherent simplicity of the over/under design make it a good learning platform, fostering good shooting habits without excessive recoil punishment. Its quality construction ensures it will last for years of learning and enjoyment.
The Stevens 555: A Testament to Value and Performance
Manufactured by Stevens, a division of Savage Arms, the 555 Over/Under benefits from Savage's long-standing reputation for producing reliable and accurate firearms. The 555 series is specifically designed to offer robust performance and classic aesthetics without the premium price tag often associated with high-end over/under shotguns. This shotgun debunks the myth that quality and affordability are mutually exclusive. It’s an answer to the question, "Is there a reliable and affordable over/under shotgun for hunting?"
When considering a new shotgun purchase, trust is paramount. The Stevens 555 Over/Under 16 Gauge, identified by UPC 650350408133, offers exceptional value. Its combination of light weight, perfect balance, and classic styling, coupled with the versatile 16 gauge chambering, makes it an outstanding choice. Whether you're breaking clays on the weekend or trekking through fields in pursuit of game, this shotgun provides a reliable, elegant, and effective solution.
For those ready to experience the unique advantages of the 16 gauge and the reliable performance of the Stevens 555 Over/Under, this exceptional shotgun is readily available at DEGuns.com. As a trusted retailer, DEGuns.com offers a comprehensive selection and expert assistance to ensure you find the perfect firearm for your needs.
Stevens 555 Over/Under 16 Gauge Specifications
| Feature | Detail | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Break Action Over/Under | Smooth, reliable, dual shots |
| Caliber | 16 Gauge | Balanced power & portability |
| Max Shell Length | 2-3/4" | Compatible with standard loads |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs. | Lightweight for easy carry |
| Length of Pull | 14-1/4" | Standard fit for comfort |
| Barrel Length | 28" | Optimal for swing & pattern |
| Overall Length | 44.25" | Compact for handling |
| Choke System | F, IC, M | Versatile interchangeable chokes |
| Stock Material | AA-Grade Satin Walnut | Durable and aesthetically pleasing |
| SKU | 40813 | Internal product identifier |
| UPC | 650350408133 | Universal Product Code |
