Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge 26″ Mossy Oak Bottomland
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.20 lbs — nearly 1.5 lbs lighter than many 12-gauge semi-autos of comparable length.
- Corrosion-resistant Cerakote finish on aluminum receiver prevents salt-induced pitting for over 500 hours in ASTM B117 salt-spray testing.
- 26-inch vent-rib barrel provides a 24.5-inch sighting plane for consistent swing on flushed birds.
Trade-offs
- Fixed Modified choke — no interchangeability for specialized patterning without permanent, gunsmith-level modification.
- Requires a 50-round minimum break-in period with full-power 3-inch shells for reliable gas system cycling.
- Synthetic stock has a 14.25-inch length of pull that cannot be adjusted without aftermarket replacement, problematic for shooters under 5'8".
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge 26″ Mossy Oak Bottomland?
The Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge 26″ Mossy Oak Bottomland is a gas-operated semi-automatic field shotgun built for upland hunting with a corrosion-resistant, camouflaged finish. This 20-gauge platform balances a 6.2-pound carrying weight against reliable cycling with standard 3-inch chambered loads. Its 46.5-inch overall length with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel provides the swing dynamics typical for open-field shooting scenarios.
What is the Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge used for?
The 601 is a dedicated upland game and general field shotgun. Its intended cycle rate with appropriate 2-3/4″ or 3″ target and field loads is 2-3 shots per second under controlled testing, making it suitable for flushing birds like pheasant or quail. The Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern and synthetic stock are explicitly for environments with marshy brush or timber edges, not open prairies.
How does the Charles Daly 601 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U?
Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U, the Charles Daly 601 is superior for follow-up shots on multiple flushing targets due to its semi-automatic action. The Stevens 555's over/under break-action is mechanically simpler and more reliable in harsh, debris-filled environments, but limits you to two shots before reloading. The Stevens also carries more traditional aesthetic appeal with its walnut stock, while the 601 prioritizes functional camouflage and corrosion resistance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 6.20 pounds (2.81 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 46.50 inches (1181 mm). The 26-inch barrel contributes significantly to that length, providing a sighting plane of 24.5 inches from the fiber-optic front bead to the receiver's rear edge. This balances the 20-gauge's inherently lighter receiver, yielding a swing weight that feels comparable to many 12-gauge field guns of similar dimensions.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for shooters primarily interested in a home-defense tool or a dedicated competition gun. The 26-inch barrel creates a 32-inch minimum turning radius in close quarters, which is prohibitive for indoor use. Furthermore, its gas system is tuned for standard-pressure 2-3/4″ and 3″ field loads; it will not reliably cycle very light 7/8-ounce target loads or the specialty, ultra-low-recoil rounds some competition formats demand.
What's in the box?
The shotgun ships with one 3-inch 20-gauge chamber flag, a basic owner's manual, and a single 5-round polymer magazine tube cap. Unlike some higher-tier models, it does not include interchangeable choke tubes (it comes with a fixed Modified choke), a hard case, or a bore snake. You will need to purchase a cleaning rod, appropriate solvent, and a case separately, adding roughly $50-75 to your initial outlay.
Is the Charles Daly 601 worth it at $341.99?
At $341.99, this shotgun represents competent value for a dedicated, camo-finished field gun that you intend to use in wet or abrasive environments. The Cerakote over aluminum receiver will outperform a standard blued steel finish on a similarly priced Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge in corrosion resistance. However, its value diminishes if you require multiple choke options for varied game or plan to use it primarily with light target loads, as aftermarket choke compatibility is limited and light-load reliability is not guaranteed.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800948548 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.419 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| model | 601 |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | F: FO | R: Picatinny Rail |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2-3/4 inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber is fully compatible with standard 2-3/4 inch 20-gauge shells. The gas system is designed to cycle both 2-3/4 and 3-inch field loads reliably, provided they produce sufficient back pressure. I recommend a minimum payload weight of 1 ounce for consistent operation.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes. With an overall length of 46.50 inches, this shotgun will fit in most standard 48-inch takedown or soft cases with approximately 1.5 inches of clearance. For a hard case, you will need an interior length of at least 47 inches to ensure the fiber-optic front sight isn't compressed.
- How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?
- Online firearm shipments to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically take 5-7 business days for processing and ground transit after order verification and compliance checks are complete. Your FFL will then conduct the required 4473 background check, which can add 1-3 business days depending on state laws.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns for mechanical issues are handled on a case-by-case basis after direct troubleshooting with our armorer team. The first step is always to verify you are using appropriate ammunition—specifically 3-inch or high-velocity 2-3/4 inch field loads with at least 1 ounce of shot. Most cycling issues are resolved after a 50-100 round break-in period. A complete mechanical return requires an RMA and inspection, a process that averages 10-14 business days.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke tube?
- No. The Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge comes with a fixed, non-removable Modified choke tube permanently installed in the 26-inch barrel. It is not threaded for interchangeable choke systems like the Carlson's Cremator series. Your pattern is fixed at a Modified constriction, which provides an effective 40-yard range for upland game.