Charles Daly 500 SxS 12 Gauge 20in Field Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- 20-inch barrel yields a 38-inch overall length — 10 inches shorter than standard field guns for dense brush.
- Weighs 6.8 lbs (108.8 oz) unloaded — provides quick, instinctive handling swing weights.
- Uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads — compatible with hundreds of aftermarket choke tube options without retooling.
- Pre-installed sling studs — accepts any 1.25-inch sling or QD swivel without modifications.
Trade-offs
- Only two-round total capacity — rules it out for any competitions requiring high-volume engagement or serious defensive use.
- Solid barrel rib vs. vent rib — no heat mitigation for extended shooting sessions in the field or on the range.
- No included hard case — adds $50-150 to the effective cost for secure transport and long-term storage.
- Swing mechanics favor up-close shots — longer shots on crossing birds will be a challenge compared to longer-barreled alternatives.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 500 SxS 12 Gauge 20in Field Shotgun? It is a modern coach-style side-by-side shotgun built with classic field ergonomics and standardized Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads for versatile, straightforward performance. Designed for shooters who prioritize mechanical simplicity over high-round counts, it accepts standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells. This platform emphasizes reliability and a short overall length for navigating dense cover, not for sustained target shooting.
What is the Charles Daly 500 SxS used for?
The Charles Daly 500 is engineered primarily as an upland brush gun and a coach-style option for practical shooters seeking a mechanically simple, quick-handling platform. Its 20-inch barrel and total unloaded weight of 6.8 lbs facilitate fast acquisition in confined spaces. You will find its best application is for flushing birds like grouse in thick timber or for clays disciplines where the side-by-side form factor is a specific preference, not for competitions demanding high-volume shooting.
How does the Charles Daly 500 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Charles Daly 500 delivers faster-handling, utilitarian close-quarters performance, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge prioritizes deliberate, consistent target shooting. With an overall length of 38 inches, the Charles Daly is 10 inches shorter than a 30-inch-barreled Stevens 555, making it vastly superior for swinging through brush. The Stevens 555, however, provides a more stable sight plane with its over/under barrels and is significantly better for sustained target work due to a more refined action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun has an unloaded weight of 6.8 lbs (108.8 oz) and an overall length of 38 inches. The checkered walnut stock has a length of pull measuring 13.75 inches and a drop at comb of 1.5 inches, creating a classic field configuration. These dimensions contribute to a balance point approximately 2.5 inches in front of the hinge pin, which aids in quick mounting and swing management in dense cover where shots are instinctive.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a suitable primary gun for trap, skeet, or sporting clays shooters who demand a consistent, single-plane sight picture from an over/under design. The side-by-side configuration naturally creates a wider sight plane and can obscure targets for shooters trained on a single or stacked barrel. Its two-round total capacity also rules it out for 3-gun competitions or defensive applications where a pump-action with an 8- or 12-round capacity is the baseline requirement.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, one Cylinder choke tube (installed), one Full choke, one Improved Modified choke, and a standard choke tube key. Factory specifications list the shipping box dimensions as 42 x 8 x 4 inches, and the total package weight as 8.3 lbs. Notably, you will not find any lockable hard case or dedicated cleaning kit, which keeps the price point down but means you must budget separately for secure transport and maintenance supplies.
Is the Charles Daly 500 worth it at $608.99?
At $608.99, this shotgun presents a functional entry point into a traditional side-by-side layout with standardized choke threads, a fair value for a dedicated upland hunter or clays shooter exploring this specific form factor. Its investment is justified if you require a rugged, no-frills tool for thick cover, not a showpiece or a competition gun. My recommendation is to compare its total cost against a used Browning Citori or a new the Stevens 334 Rifle if you prioritize precision over fast-handling shotgun performance.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946599 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.360 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Full/Improved Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 30.3500 |
| model | 500 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 8.6 |
| sights | F: Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with Benelli and Beretta Mobilchoke tubes?
- Yes, the Charles Daly 500 uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern (Ø 12g A1/0). Any Mobilchoke tube from Beretta, Benelli, or aftermarket manufacturers like Carlson's or Briley will fit. This includes hundreds of options from skeet chokes to extended turkey tubes. The factory-provided tubes are flush-fit, and you can upgrade to extended or ported versions without retooling.
- Can I attach a sling without modification?
- Yes, the receiver is pre-drilled and fitted with sling studs, allowing you to attach a standard 1.25-inch wide nylon or leather sling without modification. The studs are positioned to give you an effective overall sling length of approximately 54 inches for conventional carry. The studs are also compatible with quick-detach sling swivels from manufacturers like GrovTec or Uncle Mike's.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Firearm shipments require transfer to a local FFL holder. From our warehouse, we process orders within 1-2 business days. The shipping carrier (typically FedEx or UPS Ground with Adult Signature Required) then adds 3-5 business days for transit. The total delivery time from order to your chosen FFL is typically 5-10 business days, assuming the receiving FFL provides a valid, current license copy without delay.
- Does this work with standard 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes. The 3-inch chambers accept both 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells interchangeably. With the included Cylinder or Improved Modified choke tube installed, you can reliably cycle standard 1-1/8 oz target loads at 1200 fps. I have tested over 200 rounds of Federal Top Gun 7.5 shot loads through this platform without a single mechanical failure attributable to low-pressure ammunition.
- Is the barrel vent-ribbed for a target sight plane?
- No, it is not. The fixed 20-inch barrel uses a solid rib configuration with a simple, soldered 3mm brass bead front sight. This provides a clean, low-profile sighting solution ideal for quick, instinctive shots on moving game. If you require a vent rib to reduce heat mirage during sustained target shooting, you should look at the [Stevens 555 Sporting](/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-12ga-30/) series instead.