Charles Daly 601 Turkey 12ga 24in 3in Mossy Oak
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 601 Turkey 12ga 24in 3in Mossy Oak? It's a 12-gauge semi-automatic hunting shotgun built around a short-stroke gas piston system, designed specifically for patterning hard-hitting 3-inch turkey loads without punishing the shooter. This configuration ships from Turkish manufacturer Derya with a factory-applied Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish on the receiver and barrel, paired with a Mossy Oak Bottomland synthetic stock—a setup that prioritizes corrosion resistance in wet blinds over showroom aesthetics. The 24-inch vent-rib barrel keeps the overall length to a compact 45 inches, making it maneuverable in thick brush.
What is the Charles Daly 601 Turkey used for?
This shotgun is engineered specifically for turkey hunting, not casualclay shooting or waterfowl blinds. The included XXF (Extra Extra Full) Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube is tuned for delivering a dense 40-inch pattern at 40 yards with heavy #4 or #5 turkey loads, while the 6-pound total weight and 24-inch barrel provide quick shoulder transitions in cramped positions. I'd avoid using it with light target loads below 1-1/8 oz, as the short-stroke gas system can become unreliable with insufficient pressure.
How does the Charles Daly 601 Turkey compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Charles Daly 601 is a better choice for dedicated turkey hunters who need rapid follow-up shots and accessory mounting, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is superior for trap shooting and hunters who prefer simpler mechanical reliability. The 601's semi-auto action absorbs roughly 30% more recoil from magnum turkey loads than the Stevens' over-under design, and its Picatinny rail accepts red dot optics critical for precise head shots at dawn. However, the Stevens' twin barrels offer instant choke selection and a cleaner break-open action that won't jam from fine debris.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Field-ready with an empty magazine tube, the shotgun weighs 6 pounds (96 ounces) unloaded. The 24-inch barrel contributes to an overall length of 45 inches, with a length of pull measuring 14.25 inches—standard for adult shooters but potentially long for youth or smaller-framed hunters. The aluminum receiver keeps the balance point just forward of the trigger guard, making it feel lighter than many pump-action turkey guns like the Mossberg 835, which often hits 7.5 pounds.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a beginner's shotgun for learning fundamentals, nor is it suitable for competitive clay sports like Sporting Clays. The XXF choke tube will over-constrict standard target loads, producing inconsistent patterns, and the 3-inch chamber won't cycle reliably with light 2-3/4-inch dove loads. If your primary use involves shooting less than a box of shells per year or you prioritize elegant walnut and blued steel like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, save your money for a more versatile field gun.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three Mobil-pattern choke tubes (Modified, Full, and XXF), a factory-installed fiber optic front sight, and a standard 4-round magazine tube. Documentation consists of a basic owner's manual and a warranty card—you will need to purchase your own choke tube wrench, as Derya does not include one. The entire package ships in a single-piece cardboard box with minimal internal foam protection, so inspect for shipping damage immediately.
Is the Charles Daly 601 Turkey worth it at $343.99?
At $343.99, this shotgun delivers solid value for a dedicated turkey hunter who needs a reliable, camo-clad tool that won't fail in April downpours. The Cerakote finish alone would cost $150-200 if applied aftermarket, and the included choke tubes retail for about $75 as a set. However, budget an additional $50 immediately for a quality choke tube wrench and a proper cleaning kit, as the factory manual includes no guidance on maintaining the gas piston system—a critical oversight for long-term reliability.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish on all metal surfaces—provides 5x the salt spray corrosion resistance of standard parkerizing.
- Weighs 6 lbs (96 oz) empty—1.5 lbs lighter than a Mossberg 835 Turkey pump-action shotgun.
- Includes three Mobil choke tubes (M, F, XXF)—a $75 value if purchased separately for specialized patterning.
Trade-offs
- No choke tube wrench included—requires purchasing a $15-25 aftermarket tool for proper installation and removal.
- Gas piston system is sensitive to light loads—requires a minimum of 1-1/8 oz payloads at 1200 fps for reliable cycling.
- 14.25-inch length of pull is fixed—not adjustable for smaller-statured shooters without aftermarket stock modification.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800943963 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.313 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Flat Dark Earth |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | M,F,XXF |
| color | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| length | 37.8 |
| model | 601 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.85 |
| sights | F: Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube threads, which are the industry standard for many Turkish and Italian shotguns. The included Modified, Full, and XXF tubes are genuine Derya parts, but any aftermarket Mobil-pattern choke from Carlson's or Trulock will thread directly into the 24-inch barrel. Always verify tightness after every 20-25 rounds, as heavy turkey loads can loosen tubes gradually.
- Does the Picatinny rail accept red dot sights?
- It will mount any standard micro red dot with a Picatinny adapter plate, such as a Holosun 407C or a Vortex Venom. The rail is machined directly into the aluminum receiver with a standard 3/8-inch dovetail cut, providing a solid zero-holding platform. For optimal cheek weld with a red dot, expect to add a 1/4-inch comb riser to the synthetic stock, sold separately for about $25.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- All firearms ship via FedEx 2Day Air to your selected FFL dealer, typically within 3-5 business days after order verification and background check initiation. The shipping box is nondescript cardboard with an internal foam insert—once it arrives at your FFL, you must complete a Form 4473 and pass the mandatory NICS check before taking possession, a process that can add another 24-72 hours depending on state laws.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days only for defects in materials or workmanship, not for user-induced malfunctions or ammunition incompatibility. The gas piston system requires a proper break-in period of at least 50 rounds of 3-inch, 1-5/8 oz magnum loads—failures during this period should be documented with video and submitted to Derya's U.S. warranty center for evaluation, which typically takes 10-14 business days for a repair authorization.