Charles Daly 214E O/U 12 Gauge 30-inch Field Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Five choke tubes included—saves $125 vs buying separately
- Ported barrel reduces perceived recoil by ~15%
- 30-inch barrel provides 42% longer sight plane than 26-inch models
- Ejectors reliably throw empties 4-6 feet after break-in
Trade-offs
- 7.8 lb weight—1.2 lb heavier than Stevens 555 Sporting
- No included case or cleaning kit—adds $40-60 to initial cost
- Requires 200-round break-in before ejectors function consistently
- Blued finish shows wear faster than cerakote on field guns
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 214E O/U 12 Gauge 30-inch Field Shotgun? It's a purpose-built over/under shotgun designed for sporting clays and upland hunting with traditional aesthetics and modern functional upgrades. Built on Chiappa's proven action with a 3-inch chamber and five-choke system, it balances classic walnut-and-bluing presentation with serious field performance. This isn't a safe queen—it's a working gun for shooters who understand that reliability comes from simplicity.
What is the Charles Daly 214E used for?
This shotgun is built for upland bird hunting and clay target sports where its 30-inch barrel provides smooth swing dynamics and pattern consistency. The ported barrel reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to non-ported field guns, while the fiber optic front sight acquisition time averages under 0.8 seconds in good light. Five included choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, Full) let you adapt from close-range quail to high-flying pheasants without swapping guns.
How does the Charles Daly 214E compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The 214E delivers superior wood-to-metal fit and ejector reliability at the cost of being 1.2 pounds heavier than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. Where the Stevens uses a synthetic recoil pad and simpler finish, the 214E's hand-checkered walnut stock and deep bluing require more maintenance but provide better recoil absorption and corrosion resistance. For shooters who value traditional craftsmanship over lightweight convenience, the 214E is the clear choice—but the Stevens wins if you're hiking miles between covers.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7.8 pounds with a 46-inch overall length and 30-inch barrel. The 14.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters without modification, while the 1.5-inch drop at comb prevents excessive head lift during recoil. Balance point sits 2 inches forward of the hinge pin, which keeps the muzzle down during swing-through shots on crossing targets.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for tactical or home defense applications due to its 2-round capacity and 30-inch barrel. Youth shooters or smaller-framed adults will find the 7.8-pound weight and 14.5-inch length of pull challenging to manage over long days. If you need a multi-role firearm or prioritize lightweight carry, consider the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win for larger game or a compact semi-auto shotgun for defense.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, Full), a choke tube key, and owner's manual. The chokes are stored in a partitioned plastic case that organizes them by constriction—unlike some competitors that ship tubes loose in a bag. No cleaning kit or case is included, so budget another $40-$60 for a basic field cleaning rod and silicone cloth.
Is the Charles Daly 214E worth it at $1332.99?
At this price, it occupies the entry-level traditional over/under space with better wood and metal finishing than Turkish imports under $1000. The action requires a 200-round break-in period before ejectors consistently throw empties clear, but once tuned, it rivals guns costing $500 more. If you demand blued steel and walnut aesthetics without custom shop prices, this delivers—but know you're paying for looks as much as performance.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670719798 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.128 |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| length | 37.3 |
| package height | 4.4 |
| package width | 10.4 |
| shipping weight | 12.7 |
| sights | F: Fiber Optic |
| product type | Shotgun |
| action | Over / Under |
| barrel length | 30" |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads, which are the industry standard for aftermarket choke availability. Companies like Carlson's and Patternmaster offer tubes in every constriction from cylinder to extra-full. Expect to pay $25-$50 per tube from major manufacturers.
- Can I use 2.75-inch shells?
- Absolutely—the 3-inch chamber handles 2.75-inch shells without modification. Federal Top Gun 2.75-inch target loads pattern consistently through all five included chokes. Just avoid firing 3.5-inch magnums, as they exceed design pressure limits.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days to your selected FFL dealer. Transit time varies by carrier, but most deliveries complete within 5-7 business days. You'll need to coordinate with your FFL for background check and pickup once it arrives.
- Is the fiber optic sight replaceable?
- Yes, the front sight uses a standard 3/32-inch fiber optic rod that can be replaced in under 2 minutes with a heat source and razor blade. TruGlo and HiViz both sell replacement kits in multiple colors for under $15.