Charles Daly 101 Single Shot 20 Gauge, 3″ Chamber, Black Synthetic
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charles Daly 101 Single Shot 20 Gauge is a break-action shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells with Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke compatibility, designed for straightforward reliability in field conditions. Weighing exactly 7 pounds with a 28-inch barrel, this single-shot platform prioritizes mechanical simplicity over rapid fire capacity. Its black synthetic stock and brass bead sight maintain functionality across wet, muddy, or abrasive environments where wood stocks might warp or finish might degrade.
What is the Charles Daly 101 used for?
The Charles Daly 101 excels as a dedicated field gun for turkey, upland birds, or small game where one well-placed shot matters more than follow-up capacity. I've recommended it to Montana guides as a 'pack gun' for grouse or as a loaner for new shooters learning fundamentals. The break-action design forces deliberate shooting, and the 3-inch chamber handles everything from light target loads to heavy turkey rounds without modification.
How does the Charles Daly 101 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Charles Daly 101 trades the Stevens 555's two-shot capacity for absolute simplicity and a $462 price difference. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge offers quick second shots for clays or flushing birds, the 101's single-shot design enforces ammunition conservation and precision. For a beginner or occasional shooter, the 101's $137.99 price point eliminates the complexity of dual triggers and barrel selection found on the Stevens 555.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charles Daly 101 weighs 7 pounds with an overall length of 42.5 inches and a 28-inch barrel diameter of 0.82 inches. That balance point sits 3 inches forward of the hinge, making it slightly muzzle-heavy for steady swings but manageable for all-day carrying. The synthetic stock has a 14-inch length of pull, accommodating most adult shooters without adjustment.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for defensive use, competitive shooting, or any scenario requiring rapid follow-up shots. The single-shot design means a 5-second reload cycle under ideal conditions—too slow for home defense or clay tournaments. If you need multiple shots quickly, consider an over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting or a pump action instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, one Modified choke tube installed, a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual—no case or additional accessories. The manual covers basic disassembly for cleaning the 3-inch chamber and choke threads, which I recommend doing before first use to remove factory preservatives. Expect to spend $25-40 on a padded case if transporting to the range.
Is the Charles Daly 101 worth it at $137.99?
At $137.99, the Charles Daly 101 delivers exceptional value as a no-frills field gun or training tool. You're paying for a mechanically sound action and decent choke system without cosmetic upgrades. For comparison, most used single-shots sell for $150-200 in similar condition, making this new-in-box price competitive for a dedicated utility shotgun.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than most break-action 12 gauges
- Accepts Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes — same system as $800+ shotguns
- 3-inch chamber handles all standard 20-gauge loads without modification
- Synthetic stock withstands temperature swings from -20°F to 120°F
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only — 5-second reload cycle limits tactical use
- Extractor only — no ejector to automatically clear spent shells
- Fixed sights — no option for fiber optic or night sight upgrades
- Glossy receiver finish shows fingerprints and scratches easily
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800941464 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.238 |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| product type | Shotgun |
| length | 30.5 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| shipping weight | 6.75 |
| sights | Bead Front Sight |
| action | Single Shot |
| barrel length | 26" |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke (MC-1) threads, the same pattern found on many Italian shotguns. I've tested Carlson's and Briley tubes without issue, but avoid extended chokes longer than 2.5 inches as they may interfere with opening clearance.
- Does it fit youth or smaller-framed shooters?
- The 14-inch length of pull suits most adults but may be long for shooters under 5'6". For smaller frames, consider the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Sporting Compact</a> with its 13-inch LOP, specifically designed for youth and petite shooters.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically taking 5-7 days to most states. Firearms ship to your local FFL, who will conduct the required background check before transfer.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects, with Charles Daly providing a 1-year warranty on the action and barrel. I recommend function-testing with 5-10 rounds immediately after purchase to verify extraction and locking lug engagement.