Gun Review: Stevens 555E Over/Under Shotgun

By Kristin Alberts

SEE AT GUNS.COM FROM $516
The new Stevens 555E brings together the best of two worlds. First, it’s chambered in 16 gauge, an intermediate shell sometimes called a “gentleman’s gauge.” Second, it’s the newest edition to the budget friendly line of field guns from “Stevens by Savage.” Together, these attributes make the Stevens 555E a highly underrated over/under design for busting clays and upland game hunting.
Within the Stevens line, Savage Arms offers three over/under models: the 555, the 555 Compact, and the 555E. While the Stevens 555E has a higher listing price than the other two, it’s the more feature-rich design. The Stevens 555E features auto ejectors, an imperial walnut stock, laser-engraved filigree ornament, a tang safety, single-selective mechanical triggers, a lightweight aluminum receiver reinforced with steel, and the gun ships with a dandy hard case and five interchangeable choke tubes.
Stevens does not merely throw different gauges and barrels on a single 12-gauge frame; rather, the 555 scales the aluminum receivers to each gauge. While aluminum is not terribly strong in such an action, Savage reinforces the breech with a steel insert. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)
On the field, the 555E is a fast handling gun — no doubt aided by its light

Source: Guns.com