Master the Clay Target: An In-Depth Look at the Stevens 555 Trap 20 Gauge Shotgun

Are you searching for a specialized shotgun designed to give you a competitive edge in the challenging world of trap shooting? Do you wonder what features truly matter when selecting a dedicated trap gun, especially one that offers both performance and exceptional value? Look no further than the Stevens 23223 555 Trap 20 Gauge shotgun. This meticulously engineered firearm is crafted to meet the precise demands of clay target enthusiasts, from aspiring competitors to seasoned shooters seeking consistent scores and unparalleled comfort on the range.

The Stevens 555 Trap 20 Gauge isn't just another shotgun; it's a purpose-built instrument designed to elevate your trap shooting experience. It addresses common frustrations like inconsistent gun fit, excessive recoil fatigue, and the need for a reliable, single-shot platform that delivers repeatable results. Whether you're aiming to break your personal best, climb the ranks in local competitions, or simply enjoy a more comfortable day at the trap range, this shotgun provides the foundational tools you need for success.

Precision Engineered for Trap Performance

At the core of the Stevens 555 Trap's impressive capabilities lies its intelligent design, focusing on features that directly impact a shooter's ability to consistently hit moving targets.

The Optimal 30-Inch Barrel: Precision and Control

The Stevens 555 Trap boasts a 30-inch barrel, a length widely considered ideal for trap shooting. This extended barrel provides several critical advantages:

• Enhanced Sight Radius: A longer barrel naturally increases the distance between your front bead and the breech, offering a longer sight plane. This translates to a more precise sight picture and makes it easier to track the clay target and maintain proper lead, especially on longer shots.
• Smoother Swing Dynamics: The 30-inch barrel's balance contributes to a more fluid and controlled swing. This is crucial for trap shooting, where a smooth, continuous motion is essential for connecting with fast-moving clays. The added inertia helps to minimize jerky movements, ensuring a consistent follow-through.
• Consistent Pattern Density: Longer barrels typically contribute to more consistent shot patterns downrange. While modern ammunition design plays a significant role, the barrel length helps ensure that the shot charge travels a sufficient distance to stabilize before exiting, leading to tighter, more predictable patterns at varying distances, which is vital for breaking targets cleanly.

The barrel's semi-gloss silver finish not only adds to the shotgun's striking appearance but also serves a practical purpose. Its subdued luster helps to reduce glare, preventing reflections that could distract your eye during critical moments of target acquisition. This attention to detail reflects Stevens' commitment to optimizing every aspect of the shotgun for competitive shooting.

Unwavering Reliability: The Single-Shot Break Action

The Stevens 555 Trap utilizes a robust, single-shot break-action mechanism. This design choice is deliberate and offers significant benefits for trap shooters:

• Simplicity and Dependability: Fewer moving parts mean greater reliability. In competitive environments, a shotgun that functions flawlessly shot after shot is paramount. The break action is renowned for its durability and straightforward operation, minimizing the chances of malfunctions.
• Focused Shooting Discipline: A single-shot shotgun encourages a more disciplined approach to shooting. It emphasizes making the first shot count, forcing the shooter to focus entirely on target acquisition, lead, and follow-through without the immediate option of a second shot. This can be an excellent training aid for developing fundamental skills.
• Quick and Safe Reloads: For trap, where only one target is presented at a time, a single-shot break action allows for rapid and safe reloading between stations. The open breech clearly indicates the gun's status, enhancing safety on the line.

The chamber is designed for 3-inch shells, offering versatility for a range of 20-gauge ammunition types, from standard target loads to heavier options if desired for specific training or competitive scenarios, although most trap shooting involves lighter target loads.

Ergonomics and Unmatched Fit: The Oiled Turkish Walnut Stock

Perhaps one of the most significant features distinguishing the Stevens 555 Trap from general-purpose shotguns is its remarkable stock, crafted from exquisite Oiled Turkish Walnut.

The Beauty and Durability of Oiled Turkish Walnut

Turkish Walnut is highly prized in the firearms industry for its stunning grain patterns, rich color, and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The "oiled" finish penetrates the wood, enhancing its natural beauty while providing a durable, water-resistant surface that can be easily maintained. Beyond aesthetics, the inherent density and rigidity of Turkish Walnut contribute to:

• Superior Feel and Grip: The natural texture of the wood offers a tactile, secure grip, even during long shooting sessions.
• Vibration Absorption: Wood stocks are known for their ability to dampen vibrations, contributing to a more comfortable shooting experience and reducing perceived recoil.
• Timeless Appeal: A classic wood stock always stands out, offering a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern performance.

The Game-Changing Fixed Adjustable Comb

For any serious trap shooter, gun fit is paramount, and the Stevens 555 Trap addresses this with its fixed adjustable comb. This feature is not a luxury; it's a necessity for optimizing your performance:

• Perfect Eye-to-Rib Alignment: The adjustable comb allows shooters to precisely raise or lower the comb height to achieve perfect alignment between their eye and the shotgun's rib. This ensures a consistent sight picture every time the gun is mounted, eliminating the need to adjust your head position, which can lead to inconsistencies and misses.
• Recoil Management: By ensuring a proper cheek weld, the adjustable comb helps to distribute recoil forces more evenly across your cheekbone and shoulder. This significantly reduces felt recoil and prevents "slapping" that can cause discomfort, flinching, and fatigue, especially during high-volume shooting sessions common in trap.
• Personalized Fit for Every Shooter: No two shooters are exactly alike. The adjustable comb accommodates variations in neck length, facial structure, and shooting stance, allowing for a truly custom fit that maximizes comfort and control. This "ambidextrous hand (full size)" design further emphasizes its universal appeal, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic experience for both left and right-handed shooters.

Investing in a shotgun with an adjustable comb is investing in your consistency and long-term comfort at the trap range. It's a feature typically found on much higher-priced competition shotguns, making its inclusion on the Stevens 555 Trap an exceptional value proposition.

The 20 Gauge Advantage: Power, Precision, and Manageable Recoil

While 12 gauge shotguns are undeniably popular in trap, the Stevens 555 Trap's 20-gauge chambering offers a compelling alternative with distinct advantages, particularly for certain shooters:

• Reduced Recoil: The most significant benefit of the 20 gauge is its significantly reduced recoil compared to a 12 gauge, especially with standard target loads. This makes it an excellent choice for:
  • Newer Shooters: Less recoil allows beginners to focus on fundamental techniques without developing a flinch.
  • Younger Shooters: Perfect for youth transitioning into competitive shooting.
  • Shooters Sensitive to Recoil: For anyone who experiences discomfort or fatigue from 12-gauge recoil, the 20 gauge offers a more enjoyable and sustainable shooting experience.
  • High-Volume Shooting: For trap, where dozens or even hundreds of rounds can be fired in a session, lower recoil contributes to less fatigue and more consistent performance throughout the day.
• Effective Patterns: Modern 20-gauge ammunition, combined with proper choke selection (which can be influenced by patterning your specific shotgun), is more than capable of delivering devastating patterns out to trap distances. Don't let the smaller gauge fool you; a well-placed 20-gauge load will break clays just as effectively as a 12 gauge.
• Nimble Handling: Generally, 20-gauge shotguns are lighter and more agile than their 12-gauge counterparts. While the 30-inch barrel of the Stevens 555 Trap still provides excellent swing, the overall lighter platform of a 20 gauge can feel more comfortable and controllable for some shooters.

For those asking, "Is a 20 gauge good enough for trap?" The answer is a resounding yes, especially when paired with a purpose-built shotgun like the Stevens 555 Trap that maximizes its potential.

Why Choose the Stevens 555 Trap? Answering Your Questions

When considering a new shotgun, especially for a specialized discipline like trap, you likely have several questions. Here’s how the Stevens 555 Trap addresses common inquiries and stands out from the competition:

"Is the Stevens 555 Trap a good value for a dedicated trap gun?"

Absolutely. The Stevens 555 Trap offers features typically found on shotguns costing significantly more. The inclusion of an adjustable comb, high-quality Turkish Walnut stock, and a durable break-action design at its price point represents exceptional value for any trap shooter. It provides competitive-level features without the premium price tag.

"How will this shotgun help improve my trap scores?"

Consistency is key in trap, and the Stevens 555 Trap is built for it. The perfect gun fit achieved via the adjustable comb ensures a consistent sight picture shot after shot. The smooth swing of the 30-inch barrel aids in precise lead. Reduced recoil from the 20 gauge minimizes flinching and fatigue, allowing you to focus on technique and maintain peak performance throughout a full round or competition. The reliability of the single-shot action means fewer distractions and more successful breaks.

"Is it suitable for beginners, or only advanced shooters?"

The Stevens 555 Trap is an excellent choice for both. For beginners, the manageable 20-gauge recoil and the ability to achieve a custom fit via the adjustable comb are invaluable. These features prevent the development of bad habits related to recoil anticipation and inconsistent mounting. For advanced shooters, it offers a reliable, precise, and comfortable platform for high-volume practice and competitive events.

"What makes this shotgun reliable for competition and high-volume use?"

The inherent simplicity and robustness of the single-shot break-action design contribute directly to its reliability. With fewer complex mechanisms, there's less to go wrong. Stevens builds their firearms for durability, and the 555 Trap is no exception. Its construction is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use at the trap range, providing years of dependable service. Regular cleaning and basic maintenance, as with any firearm, will ensure its longevity.

"How does the ambi-dextrous design benefit me?"

The "ambidextrous hand (full size)" description for the stock means that the stock is designed without a significant cast or palm swell that would favor only left or right-handed shooters. This ensures that the shotgun can be comfortably and effectively shot by individuals of either handedness, making it a versatile option for families or shooting clubs where multiple individuals might use the same firearm. It removes the need to search for a specific left-handed or right-handed model, simplifying the selection process.

Optimizing Your Trap Shooting Experience with the Stevens 555 Trap

Possessing a high-quality, purpose-built shotgun like the Stevens 555 Trap is a significant step towards improving your trap scores. To truly maximize its potential, consider these practical tips:

1. Pattern Your Shotgun: Before hitting the trap range, take the time to pattern your Stevens 555 Trap with your chosen ammunition. This involves shooting at a large paper target at 30-40 yards to see where your shot string is centered and how dense the pattern is. This confirms your point of impact and helps you understand how your gun and choke combination performs.
2. Fine-Tune the Adjustable Comb: Experiment with the adjustable comb settings to find the precise height that gives you a perfectly flat rib and consistent sight picture. Spend time dry mounting the gun to ensure your eye is perfectly aligned every time.
3. Focus on Fundamentals: Even with an exceptional shotgun, mastering the basics of stance, mount, swing, and follow-through remains paramount. The Stevens 555 Trap’s design helps you execute these fundamentals more consistently by providing a stable and comfortable platform.
4. Practice Consistency: Trap shooting is a game of repetition. Regular practice sessions will help you build muscle memory and reinforce your technique. The Stevens 555 Trap's comfortable 20-gauge recoil allows for longer, more productive practice sessions without undue fatigue.

The Stevens 555 Trap 20 Gauge is more than just a firearm; it's a strategic tool designed to help you achieve consistent breaks and enjoy every moment on the trap range. Its blend of specialized features, robust construction, and exceptional value makes it a standout choice for anyone serious about clay target shooting.

Where to Find Your Stevens 555 Trap

Ready to experience the precision and performance of the Stevens 23223 555 Trap 20 Gauge? This exceptional shotgun is available at DEGuns, your trusted source for quality firearms. Unlock your full potential on the trap range with a shotgun specifically designed to meet your competitive needs.

Feature	Description	Benefit to Shooter
Model	Stevens 23223 555 Trap	Specialized design for trap shooting, optimized performance.
Gauge	20 Gauge	Reduced recoil, comfortable for all shooters, still delivers effective patterns for clay targets.
Barrel Length	30 inches	Ideal for trap, ensures smooth swing, extended sight radius for precise aiming, consistent patterns.
Capacity	1 Round	Simple, ultra-reliable break-action, perfect for trap's single-target presentations, encourages focused shooting discipline.
Chamber	3 inches	Versatile for various 20-gauge target loads.
Finish	Silver Semi-Gloss	Durable and aesthetically pleasing, reduces glare on the range.
Stock	Oiled Turkish Walnut Fixed Adjustable Comb Stock	Beautiful, durable, and provides critical gun fit adjustments for perfect eye alignment and recoil management.
Hand	Ambidextrous (Full Size)	Comfortable and effective for both left- and right-handed shooters.
UPC	011356232236	Unique product identifier.