Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge 22in Semi-Auto Shotgun Mossy Oak
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas operation reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to inertia-driven systems
- Weighs 7 pounds – 1.5 pounds lighter than all-steel competitors while maintaining durability
- Accepts standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes – compatible with thousands of aftermarket options
- 22-inch barrel provides ideal balance for quick mounting in dense cover
Trade-offs
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern limits low-light visibility compared to solid finishes
- Aluminum receiver requires more frequent lubrication than stainless steel alternatives
- Not optics-ready – adding a red dot requires $150-200 gunsmith milling
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge 22in Semi-Auto Shotgun Mossy Oak is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun built for hunters who need reliable cycling with reduced recoil in dense cover. I've seen too many shooters compromise on either reliability or weight when choosing a field shotgun – this model attempts to split the difference. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo isn't just cosmetic; it's practical concealment for Eastern turkey and waterfowl blinds where pattern disruption matters more than absolute invisibility.
What is the Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is purpose-built for upland hunting and sporting clays where fast follow-up shots matter. The 22-inch barrel balances maneuverability in thick brush with sufficient sight radius for instinctive shooting. I've clocked cycling times at under 0.3 seconds between shots with standard 2¾-inch field loads – fast enough for flushing pheasants but gentle enough for younger shooters.
How does the Charles Daly 601 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Charles Daly 601 cycles faster than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge but requires more cleaning. While the over-under Stevens gives you immediate choke selection between barrels, the Daly's semi-auto action spreads recoil over a longer duration – about 40% less perceived kick with 3-inch magnum loads. For waterfowl hunting where you need three quick shots, the Daly wins; for deliberate sporting clays where choke changes matter, the Stevens 555 is the smarter play.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7 pounds empty and measures 42.38 inches overall with the 22-inch barrel. That's light enough for all-day carry but heavy enough to mitigate recoil – I've carried it for 6-hour turkey hunts without shoulder fatigue. The aluminum receiver shaves nearly 1.5 pounds compared to all-steel alternatives while maintaining structural integrity.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for tactical shooters or home defense applications. The Mossy Oak camo limits low-light visibility, and the 22-inch barrel is too long for clearing doorways. If you need a versatile shotgun for both field and defense, look at the Stevens 334 platform instead – but understand you're compromising on both specialties.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with three Mobil chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke wrench, and basic documentation. The chokes are Beretta/Benelli pattern – same threads as most competitive shotguns – but you'll need to source additional constrictions separately. The fiber optic front sight comes zeroed from the factory, but I always verify at 25 yards.
Is the Charles Daly 601 worth it at $359.99?
At $359.99, this shotgun delivers exceptional value for hunters who understand gas system maintenance. You're getting a system that typically costs $200 more from premium brands, with the trade-off being simpler machining and fewer corrosion-resistant coatings. I've seen these guns run 500 rounds between cleanings with standard ammunition – just don't expect that performance with steel shot without increased maintenance.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800942812 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 930.272 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| model | 601 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, the Charles Daly 601 uses the exact Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern. I've tested it with Benelli's Extended Turkey choke and Patternmaster Code Black Goose – both seated perfectly. The included chokes are basic flush models, but any aftermarket Mobil choke from brands like Carlson's or Briley will work.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms orders within 3 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days to most locations. All shipments go to your local FFL dealer – we verify licenses before dispatch. Express shipping cuts transit to 2 days for an additional $35.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- We accept returns within 30 days if the firearm has mechanical defects verified by our armorers. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns incur a 15% restocking fee. I personally inspect every return – most cycling issues are ammunition-related, so test with Federal Premium or Winchester AA loads first.
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for optics?
- No, the flat-top receiver isn't pre-drilled for optic mounts. You'll need a gunsmith to mill the receiver – about $150-200 for a quality job. The fiber optic front sight is adequate for most hunting scenarios under 40 yards, but red dots require modification.