Charles Daly 202 O/U 28 Gauge 26in Vent Rib Engraved Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.5 pounds — 0.7 pounds lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge for better field carry.
- Includes five steel Mobil/Beretta-style choke tubes (Cyl, IC, Mod, IM, Full) with a wrench, a $60-80 value if purchased separately.
- 14.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters without requiring aftermarket stock modification.
- Mechanical single selective trigger resets in approximately 0.2 seconds for reliable follow-up shots without reliance on recoil.
Trade-offs
- No included case or lock — requires an additional $40-80 investment for proper transport/storage.
- Turkish-made action has functional but not exceptional fit and finish; some minor tool marks may be visible under the forend.
- Engraving is laser-etched, not hand-cut, which some traditionalists will notice compared to higher-priced American or Italian guns.
- Limited aftermarket support for 28-gauge specific accessories like extended choke tubes or specialized recoil pads.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 202 O/U 28 Gauge? It's a field-grade over/under shotgun chambered in 28-gauge with a 26-inch vent rib barrel, engraved receiver, and checkered walnut stock, engineered for upland hunting and sporting clays where quick handling and reliable mechanical function are prioritized over high-volume firepower. This Turkish-made platform uses a proven Beretta-style Mobil choke system and a single selective trigger with mechanical reset, providing a no-nonsense, traditional shotgun experience at a price point that reflects its imported manufacturing origin rather than hand-fitted custom work. As a 28-gauge, it offers lighter recoil and a more refined shooting experience than a 20-gauge, though with reduced pellet payload and slightly more expensive ammunition.
What is the Charles Daly 202 O/U 28 Gauge used for?
The Charles Daly 202 is primarily used for upland game hunting—specifically for birds like quail, woodcock, and dove—and for recreational sporting clays on field-style courses. Its 7.5-pound weight and 26-inch barrel create a fast-swinging, well-balanced platform ideal for shooting in tight cover or on walking hunts where you might carry the gun for 3-4 hours at a stretch. The 28-gauge chambering delivers approximately 30-40% less felt recoil than a standard 20-gauge load, making it an excellent choice for younger shooters, those sensitive to recoil, or hunters who value precision over raw power on small game.
How does the Charles Daly 202 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Charles Daly 202 in 28-gauge is better for recoil-sensitive shooters and refined upland hunting, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is better for general-purpose clay shooting and versatility. The Stevens 555 weighs nearly 8.2 pounds and uses a 30-inch barrel, providing a longer sight plane and more stable swing for trap and skeet, whereas the Charles Daly's 26-inch barrel and 7.5-pound weight make it more maneuverable in brush. Mechanically, both use single selective triggers and include choke tubes, but the Stevens platform is built on a heavier, larger action designed for 12/20-gauge pressure, making the Charles Daly feel more scaled and graceful in the hands.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charles Daly 202 O/U 28 Gauge weighs approximately 7.5 pounds (120 ounces or 3.4 kg) and has an overall length of 43.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The barrel is 26 inches long with a vent rib measuring 9mm wide, and the length of pull measures 14.5 inches—a standard dimension that fits most adult shooters without modification. The receiver width at its thickest point is 1.8 inches, and the forend depth is 1.4 inches, providing a compact, hand-filling profile that doesn't feel bulky even with gloved hands in cold weather.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters needing 3.5-inch steel shot capability, high-volume competitors shooting 200+ rounds per weekend, or anyone seeking a left-handed configuration. The 28-gauge chamber is limited to 3-inch shells, which cannot ethically or legally take larger birds like geese at extended ranges, and the mechanical trigger reset, while reliable, isn't as fast for follow-up shots as an inertia or recoil-operated system found on higher-end competition guns. If you primarily shoot trap from a fixed position or need ambidextrous controls, consider the Stevens 555 in .410 or a dedicated left-hand model from another manufacturer.
What's in the box?
Inside the box, you'll find the shotgun itself, a set of five Mobil/Beretta-style choke tubes (typically Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full), a choke tube wrench, and the manufacturer's manual and warranty paperwork. The chokes are internally threaded and made of heat-treated steel, not plated brass, and the wrench is a simple, stamped-steel key—functional but not a premium item. There is no included gun case or lock from the factory, so budget an additional $40-80 for a suitable hard or soft case for transport and storage.
Is the Charles Daly 202 O/U worth it at $587.99?
At $587.99, the Charles Daly 202 O/U is worth it for the shooter who specifically wants a 28-gauge double gun for upland hunting and doesn't require the hand-engraved aesthetics or custom-fitted wood of a $2,500+ American or Italian model. You're paying for a mechanically sound, imported platform that handles well in the field and includes a full choke set, not for collector-grade finish work or sub-MOA precision. If your primary use is clay sports with a 20-gauge, the Stevens 555 Sporting offers a more versatile platform for roughly the same price, but for the niche of 28-gauge enthusiasts, this Charles Daly represents one of the few affordable, new-production options available.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946353 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.343 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,IC,IM,M,SK |
| color | MULTI-COLOR |
| length | 30.2500 |
| package height | 2.4 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | F: Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta Mobil chokes?
- Yes, the Charles Daly 202 uses Beretta-style Mobil choke threads, meaning any standard Beretta Mobil or Mobil-compatible choke tube from manufacturers like Carlson's or Briley will fit. The threads are metric, so do not attempt to force in a Browning Invector or Winchester-style choke, as this can damage the barrel. The included set covers Cylinder through Full constriction.
- Does this shotgun fit in a 48-inch gun case?
- Yes, with its 43.5-inch overall length, the Charles Daly 202 will fit comfortably in any standard 48-inch or longer shotgun case. For optimal protection, I recommend a hard case with foam cutouts or a padded soft case with internal dividers. Break the gun down by separating the barrels from the stock for even more compact storage if needed.
- How long does shipping take from Ironclad Armory?
- Ironclad Armory typically processes and ships firearms within 3-5 business days after receiving a completed FFL transfer from your local dealer. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground is usually 4-7 business days depending on your location. You will receive tracking information once the firearm is tendered to the carrier.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns are strictly limited to manufacturer defects verified by Ironclad Armory's inspection. Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns for "didn't like it" or "doesn't fit" reasons once the firearm has been transferred to you. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer or renting one at a range before purchasing to confirm fit and function.