Charles Daly 101 Single Shot .410 Bore 26″ Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charles Daly 101 Single Shot .410 Bore is a lightweight, break-action field shotgun designed for basic training, small-game hunting, and recreational clay shooting where simplicity and reliability are prioritized over capacity. Its fixed modified choke and 26" barrel provide a consistent, straightforward pattern for 3" .410 shells, and its Mobil-style choke threads allow compatibility with aftermarket constrictions for those willing to swap. Priced under $160 and weighing just over 5 pounds, it functions as an entry-level single-shot that meets traditional expectations without overcomplicating the platform.
What is the Charles Daly 101 Single Shot .410 Bore used for?
This shotgun is primarily used for youth or new shooter instruction, small-pest and squirrel hunting, and introductory clay target practice. Its minimal controls—a top-lever break action and straightforward trigger—allow a beginner to focus on fundamentals like mounting and sight alignment without managing complex mechanics. The .410's low recoil, roughly 60% less than a 20-gauge shell, makes it suitable for smaller-framed individuals, and the extractor ensures spent hulls clear reliably for the next round.
How does the Charles Daly 101 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore?
The Charles Daly 101 is a better budget choice for a first firearm or dedicated training tool, while the Stevens 555 is superior for actual sporting clays or hunting scenarios requiring a second shot. The Daly is a single-shot break-action priced at $153.99, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in .410 Bore operates as an over-under with two barrels and offers much faster follow-up capability, typically costing over $500. The Daly's 5.1 lb weight is nearly a pound lighter than the Stevens' approximate 6 lb weight, trading capacity for portability during long walks in the field.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) and measures 42.5 inches (108 cm) overall with a 26-inch (660 mm) barrel. The walnut stock has a length of pull measuring 13.75 inches (349 mm), which is standard for adult frames but may require an aftermarket buttpad spacer for younger shooters. Barrel wall thickness at the muzzle is approximately 0.125 inches (3.2 mm), providing adequate stiffness for the .410's low pressure while keeping the profile slim for balance.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for hunters or sport shooters who require multiple shots, such as waterfowl hunters or competitive skeet/trap participants. The single-shot design mandates a full break-open and reload after every discharge, a process that takes 4-6 seconds even with practice, rendering it ineffective for flushing game or rapid-fire clay sequences. It is also poorly suited for home defense compared to repeating rifles or shotguns, due to its limited capacity and manual reload requirement under stress.
What's in the box?
The box includes the Charles Daly 101 shotgun, a factory-installed modified choke tube, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and parts diagrams. No hard case, additional chokes, or cleaning equipment is provided; expect to spend an additional $25-35 on a universal shotgun case and basic cleaning rod kit. The manual includes a factory test-fire target confirming patterning at 25 yards, a useful baseline for verifying sight alignment and mechanical function before first field use.
Is the Charles Daly 101 worth it at $153.99?
Yes, for its intended role as a low-cost, reliable trainer or occasional small-game tool, the Charles Daly 101 provides adequate value. At this price point, it competes directly with used single-shots and outperforms them with new-condition steel, modern choke threading (Mobil-style), and a functional extractor. The primary trade-off is the factory wood finish, which is a basic oil-coated walnut rather than a hand-checkered or high-gloss finish, but for a tool focused on function, it meets the mechanical requirement.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.1 lbs — 0.9 lbs lighter than a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in .410
- 26-inch barrel length provides a 32-inch sight plane for consistent swing-through
- Accepts Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes — compatible with 30+ aftermarket constriction options
- 13.75-inch length of pull fits standard adult frames without modification
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only — requires 4-6 second reload cycle between shots
- Basic oiled walnut finish — lacks checkering or gloss sealing for wet-weather grip
- No included case or cleaning kit — adds $25-35 in necessary accessories
- Fixed modified choke — requires a $15-20 wrench and tube purchase for constriction changes
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800941440 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.236 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 30.5 |
| model | 101 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 6.05 |
| sights | Bead Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, it accepts standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes. The factory-installed modified choke can be removed with a 13/16-inch choke wrench, allowing replacement with aftermarket tubes in improved cylinder, full, or specialized constrictions. Note that some aftermarket chokes, particularly extended versions, may protrude slightly beyond the 26-inch muzzle, potentially affecting overall balance.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch shotgun case?
- No, the overall length of 42.5 inches requires a case rated for at least 44 inches to accommodate safely. We recommend a Plano All-Weather 44-inch hard case or a Cabela's soft padded case in the 44-46 inch range. Attempting to force it into a 42-inch case risks damaging the brass bead front sight or putting pressure on the top-lever mechanism during transport.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard shipping to a licensed FFL dealer typically takes 4-7 business days from warehouse departure. Processing time before shipment adds 1-2 business days for inventory verification and compliance documentation. Always contact your chosen FFL ahead of purchase to confirm they accept transfers from Ironclad Armory and to verify their current transfer fee, which averages $25-40 nationally.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of shipment, provided the firearm is unfired, in original factory condition, and all packaging is intact. You must initiate the return through Ironclad Armory's customer service to receive an RMA and specific shipping instructions to our designated FFL. Note that all original transfer fees paid to your local FFL are non-refundable, and a 15% restocking fee applies to cover compliance re-inspection.
- Does this work with 2.5-inch .410 shells?
- Yes, the chamber is rated for 3-inch shells but will safely and reliably fire shorter 2.5-inch .410 shells. Firing 2.5-inch shells will result in slightly lower velocity and reduced pattern density at 25 yards compared to 3-inch loads, but extraction and ejection remain consistent. We recommend testing pattern percentages with your chosen load to confirm point-of-impact shifts, especially with the fixed modified choke.