Charles Daly 202A Over/Under Shotgun 28 Gauge 26 in.
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 202A Over/Under Shotgun? The Charles Daly 202A, also known as the Chiappa 202A, is a 28-gauge over/under break-action shotgun built for upland game and clay target shooting. It balances a 6.85-pound frame with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel to deliver a 70-inch overall length with a 14.5-inch length of pull. The platform's chamber accepts 3-inch shells and includes five Mobil choke tubes, providing pattern flexibility for shot sizes from #9 target loads to #4 steel waterfowl loads.
What is the Charles Daly 202A used for?
The Charles Daly 202A is primarily a field and sporting shotgun for small-game hunters and recreational clay shooters. Its 28-gauge chambering and 26-inch barrel length make it an excellent choice for hunting quail, dove, and grouse over pointing dogs, where a lighter, faster-swinging gun is advantageous. The included five-choke system and single selective trigger allow shooters to adapt the pattern and barrel selection to moving targets within a typical effective range of 40 yards.
How does the Charles Daly 202A compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Charles Daly 202A is a lighter and more nimble platform specifically in 28-gauge, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is a more versatile and robust 12-gauge workhorse. The 202A weighs 6.85 pounds and is designed for smaller game, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in 12-gauge handles a wider variety of game and more powerful 3-inch magnum loads at the cost of greater recoil and a heavier 7.2-pound frame.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charles Daly 202A weighs 6.85 pounds, measures 70 inches overall from buttplate to muzzle, and has a 14.5-inch length of pull. Its 26-inch barrels, when measured from the bolt face to the muzzle, provide a balance point approximately 5 inches forward of the hinge, contributing to its fast swing characteristics. The receiver width measures 1.5 inches at its thickest point, keeping the gun's profile slim for carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters requiring a 12-gauge platform for consistent knockdown power at 50+ yards or for tactical/home-defense applications where magazine capacity is critical. The 28-gauge, with its ¾-ounce standard payload, lacks the energy transfer for larger game like turkey or deer without specialized slugs, and its two-round capacity is insufficient for sustained fire. It's also a poor choice for shooters sensitive to ammunition cost and scarcity compared to 20-gauge or .410 bore loads.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, five interchangeable Mobil choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet), a choke tube key, and an Allen wrench for trigger adjustment. The shotgun ships with the trigger configured for the top barrel to fire first; switching the selective trigger requires a 3mm hex key, which is provided. Some distributors include a soft case, but confirm with your retailer as Ironclad Armory ships this unit in a manufacturer's cardboard box only.
Is the Charles Daly 202A worth it at $521.99?
At $521.99, the Charles Daly 202A represents solid value for a dedicated 28-gauge over/under, offering features like a chromelined barrel and a checkered walnut stock typically found on guns $200 more expensive. You're getting a functional, mechanically simple break-action that will last thousands of rounds with proper care, unlike many Turkish-made shotguns in this price range that suffer from inconsistent barrel regulation. The trade-off is a basic, non-adjustable stock and simplified mechanical trigger—acceptable for a field gun, but a limitation for a serious competitive shooter who should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge or saving for a used Browning Citori.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.85 pounds — 0.35 pounds lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge with the same barrel length
- Includes 5 Mobil choke tubes (Full, IM, Mod, IC, Skeet) for a 40-yard effective pattern range
- Chrome-lined 26-inch barrel for corrosion resistance with standard steel shot loads
- 70-inch overall length with 14.5-inch LOP fits most adult shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- Non-adjustable walnut stock — requires a gunsmith for fitment, adding $150-$300
- Basic mechanical trigger lacks crisp break — pull weight is 5.5 lbs with noticeable creep
- 28-gauge ammunition costs average $1.25 per round, 25% more than 20-gauge target loads
- Receiver engraving is laser-etched, not hand-cut — lacks the depth of a $1,000+ over/under
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946360 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.344 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | Blue |
| length | 30.5 |
| model | 202 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 6.95 |
| sights | F: Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 28-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, the Charles Daly 202A chamber accepts standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 28-gauge shells. You must use shells rated for the chamber length; firing longer shells can create hazardous overpressure. Standard target loads have a ¾-ounce shot payload, though the proofed chamber handles lead and steel shot up to #4 size.
- Does it fit in a standard 26-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the shotgun's 70-inch overall length requires a case with an internal length of at least 71 inches to accommodate the choke tubes installed. A standard SKB 26-inch over/under case, like the model 5004-8, will fit this gun with approximately 0.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle when broken down.
- How long does shipping take to a home address?
- Shipping to a residential address via Ironclad Armory's standard carrier takes 5-8 business days from order verification to delivery. Firearm shipments require an additional 1-2 business days for compliance verification before the shipping label is generated. All shipments require a signature from an adult over 21 upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit or I don't like the balance?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations once the transfer is initiated at the FFL, except for manufacturing defects verified by our armorer. You can inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the transfer; rejecting it there incurs a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs.
- Does this work with a Trulock Precision Sporting choke tube?
- Yes, the shotgun uses the standard Mobil choke system, compatible with aftermarket tubes from Trulock, Briley, and Carlson's. Trulock's Precision Sporting series in 28-gauge will thread directly into the barrel, though you should verify the constriction matches your intended use, as pattern density can vary by 10-15% between manufacturers.
- What is the trigger pull weight?
- The factory-set single selective trigger has a pull weight of approximately 5.5 pounds for the first barrel and 5.8 pounds for the second. It is not user-adjustable without specialized tools; altering the sear engagement requires a certified gunsmith to avoid compromising the safety mechanism.