I feel like I should comment here because I have 2 of the guns being talked about and have had the other. I currently have a Browning BPS 20 gauge upland special and a Stevens 555 Silver in 12 gauge. I did have a Franchi Affinity 20 gauge a year or two ago.
The Franchi was great upland gun. Very light, well balanced, reliable, easy to clean, and fit me well. The only reason I sold it was because I like a more traditional looking gun (mine was synthetic camo). Not sure that was the right decision because that thing was a bit of a magic wand for me, but I couldn't get past the ugliness of it in pictures with beautiful grouse or snowshoe hares. One other thing about the Franchi is that you have to shoot pretty stout shells. It's an inertia gun and will not function with light target loads.
The BPS upland has been very good for me, but is a little more specific in purpose in my opinion. The 22" barrel on the upland special is perfect if your upland hunts consist of walking closed in bush trails and busting into the thick stuff to flush a grouse or hare. It's a great quick point and shoot gun. It's got a very sturdy action and never failed or jammed for me. It's a little heavy at about 6.5 to 6.75lbs, but it is pretty well balanced considering the short barrel. I like the bottom eject being a lefty. Not sure this would be the right gun if upland to you means pheasants, Huns, or sharp tails. It doesn't really swing too well with the short barrel. Very good poke and shoot bush gun though. If you're interested in this one pm me as it is about to go up for sale.
I can't yet say too much about the Stevens 555 Silver. I just got it last week and have put a grand total of about 20 shells through it. Function was perfect. It patterns very well for me with both barrels patterning the same. It's quite light at a hair over 6lbs (mine is a 12 gauge). Fit and finish on this gun is very good especially considering the price point. The wood on mine is actually quite stunning. I look forward to lots of future hunts with this gun. I wouldn't get too caught up in the Internet trashing of economy minded over unders. No, they're not going to be as good as a Browning Citori. For a hunting gun that your going to put a couple hundred rounds a year through, it should be fine for many years. Yes, there are probably a few more duds than with a higher end gun, but I don't think it's anything as bad as the stories you hear on line will make it sound. I don't think anyone should be made to feel bad because their current budget does not include a $2500 new shotgun or even a $1500 used gun. Just my opinion.
Another gun to consider is the Tristar over under. My hunting buddy has a 20 gauge and is very happy with . Ive shot it and it seems like a very good gun. Great bargain at $599.
Hope this helps.
