The Stevens 555 is a 16 gauge over-under that comes in at 6.2 pounds thanks to an aluminum receiver. Its 28-inch barrels are chrome-lined carbon steel with 3-inch chambers and threaded for interchangeable choke tubes, and the gun measures 45.28 inches overall with a 14.57-inch length of pull. The stock is Turkish walnut with a semi-pistol grip. A single selective mechanical trigger fires either barrel, the safety sits on the tang where both hands reach it, and manual extractors lift the hulls for you to pull.

Sixteen gauge is written into Connecticut's deer rules: on private land during the November 18 to December 8 shotgun and rifle season, a 12, 16 or 20 gauge loaded with single projectiles is legal, and state land in the same dates is open to shotguns and muzzleloaders only. That gives this light upland gun a second job in late November. Sunday deer hunting is restricted to private land, so plan weekend hunts accordingly.

Key features

• 16 gauge over-under, 28-inch chrome-lined barrels
• 3-inch chambers, interchangeable choke tubes
• Aluminum receiver, 6.2 pounds
• Single selective mechanical trigger, tang safety
• Turkish walnut semi-pistol-grip stock, manual extractors

The 555 ships to a Connecticut FFL dealer, where the background check runs before the gun is handed over.