steven model 555

P

pyro_pinky

Member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
niagara falls
Hey everyone.

so I'm looking to get into trap shooting and not breaking the bank i spent about 15 minutes looking at the steven model 555 i liked the feel and fit of this under over. I was hoping some of you guys would have first had experience with it and could lend a helpful word wether it be good or bad.

thanks and happy shooting!
 
The 555 is way too light for Trap shooting. Standard trap loads will beat you up over a round of 25 shots. There are lots of published problems with the guns reliability also.
 
You can get some wonderful pump guns for less than 500 that will last a lifetime and are heavy enough to shoot comfortably over and over. Perhaps look for a used Winchester M12 or a Remington M31.

There is no 'budget' double gun I could endorse. In that range, you get what you pay for.

C
 
To go a little father into what Cardamonfrost said here. Whereas, their are some good sub-$1000 O/U's on the market now that will live well on a clay field(CZ, Akkar, Pointer, etc) few are geared as a trap gun. The Stevens 555 wouldn't be my first choice as a clays gun, too light, not a spectacular reliability track record, okay as a field gun and in a sub-gauge as an occasional clays gun. A well made pump gun is a better choice for the trap field, my go to trap gun is a Benelli Nova, Winchester makes a reasonable price entry trap model(Winchester SXP Trap), the Browning BPS Trap is another sub-$1000 option. A Model 12 Trap can still be had in decent shape, the Model 31 is a rarer beast, keep in mind these are not new and may have seen many years of hard use, although very well made everything wears out eventually.
 
If you are not familiar with Trap shooting I suggest you go to a club that has practice days or evening shoots and welcomes visitors (most do, in my experience). Take any shotgun you have that has at least a Modified choke, or tighter. The object is to meet like minded people and get a bit of experience.
There are usually lots of guys who will let you try their guns. That way you can find what you really like and what works for you. If you are buying a new gun it should be a long term purchase, not something you are going to want to upgrade in a year or less.
I have lots of shotguns to choose from, and I shoot Trap for fun. I like shooting with my side by side hammer guns with Black Powder best. So clearly, I am not into serious competition for registered targets.
Having said that, I shoot my best scores with a 1956 Model 12 Winchester.
 
I own a Stevens 555 in 28ga, I bought it because it is actually made on a true 28ga scaled frame. I used it last season for small game, grouse and woodcock hunting and it worked great for that. As other's have said they are light weight shotguns, mine in 28ga comes in at 5lbs, so I don't think they would make for a good dedicated clays gun in larger gauges unless you added a good recoil pad. As for reported problems with the Stevens 555. I have herd people say that they have had issues with double firing. I have done some research into this and have found out that some of the first models that came out had this problem. Savage/Stevens have addressed the issue by replacing the sear springs with a more heavy one. They are a grate value in the sub gauges, excellent hunting gun, crisp trigger, smooth safety, nice oil finished wood stock. Great value especially in 410 and 28ga.
 
A friend has one in 20 gauge as a hunting gun and he likes it because it is a nice light weight shotgun to carry in the field. It's great for this purpose but I doubt it would be as good as a trap gun for the reasons that have already been mentioned.
 
Like others have said, the 555 isn't a good choice for a trap, skeet, or sporting clays gun that you may shoot 75-100 rounds per day through. I'd suggest a gun in the 8 lbs or heavier range to soak up felt recoil.
Better quality for the same price means shopping for used guns, which isn't a bad thing. Most guns never get worn out, just passed on to a new owner.
 
thank you all for the information. the reasons have been very helpful the big reason why i don't want to buy used is the best prices are on the ee and i want to feel something I'm going to spend this much money on.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom