[gunstock]

I have two 555's, 20g and 12g. I bought them to save beating up my Caesar Guerini Magnus Field guns in bad weather and riding in the UTV. The 20g I bought new and the 12g used. They are both the standard models as I wanted the black finish and extractors. With extractors there is less to go wrong and I don't want to be waiting for Stevens to repair them. Particularly when they are the only source of parts.

The extractors are easier to keep clean as neither extractors or ejectors are removable. The wood on my 20g looks better than some enhanced guns, the 12g is rather plain but fine for what I want. I put Limbsaver pre fit recoil pads on them (model 10001) as the stock pads are quite hard. I don't feel any recoil from the 20g and very little on the 12g despite their lightweight. They are a joy to carry all day.

These guns have no hand fitting, the modern machining process makes it possible. So some things feel a bit rougher than a fitted gun (ie extractor motion) and there are sharper edges. However, they do the job perfectly. They have never double fired, they have the same feel as my lightweight Guerinis and I don't have to worry about hunting in the rain with a gun ten times the price. The 20g patterns perfectly on both barrels to point of aim. The 12g the top barrel shoots about 4" high at 20yds and the lower barrel right on.

My only wish would be that they used common chokes. The factory chokes work well, patterning as they should. They had to have the choke key slots cleaned up with a file as there was still machining swarf attached. I would like to get extended chokes and I believe Carlson is now making them. However, a set would cost half the price of the gun so I don't think I will bother.

For a low cost over under I think these guns are fantastic value. I hope this helps.
John