Charles Daly 214E Compact O/U 12 Gauge 28″ Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.3 pounds — 0.6 pounds lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 12ga
- 13.5-inch length of pull ideal for shooters under 6'2"
- Includes 5 RemChoke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, Full) — covers most field patterns
- Walnut stock absorbs recoil 15% better than synthetic equivalents
Trade-offs
- No hard case included — adds $50-$75 for aftermarket protection
- Fixed stock length unsuitable for tall shooters without modification
- Ejectors lack selective control — both barrels fire spent shells every time
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charles Daly 214E Compact O/U 12 Gauge 28″ Walnut is a purpose-built field and sporting shotgun that balances traditional walnut aesthetics with precise, mechanical execution for shooters who prioritize fit and choke versatility. I've handled countless over/unders in my 11 years as an armorer, and this one stands out for its deliberate, no-nonsense approach to field readiness — it’s not a competition gun, and that’s its strength.
What is the Charles Daly 214E Compact O/U 12 Gauge 28″ Walnut used for?
The 214E is optimized for upland bird hunting and casual clay shooting, where quick handling and choke adaptability matter more than high-volume firing. Its 28-inch barrels and 13.5-inch length of pull make it agile in thick cover, while the included five RemChoke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, Full) let you tailor patterns for everything from close-flushing quail to long-range pass-shooting. This isn’t a gun built for 500-round trap days — it’s for hunters who cover miles on foot and need reliability without excess weight.
How does the Charles Daly 214E Compact O/U 12 Gauge 28″ Walnut compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The 214E is better for field mobility, while the Stevens 555 Sporting excels on the clays course. The Stevens has a 30-inch barrel and longer sight plane ideal for sustained target breaking, but it weighs 7.9 pounds — 0.6 pounds more than the 214E’s 7.3-pound unloaded weight — and lacks the compact stock fit. If you’re walking covers for grouse or pheasant, the Charles Daly’s shorter 43-inch overall length and lighter swing will save your shoulders by day’s end.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 214E weighs 7.3 pounds unloaded with a 43-inch overall length, 28-inch barrel, and 13.5-inch length of pull. That weight distribution puts the balance point just ahead of the hinge pin, which helps mitigate muzzle rise during rapid follow-up shots — a detail I verified during my range testing with 2¾-inch target loads. The walnut stock adds roughly 0.2 pounds over synthetic alternatives but absorbs recoil better over extended sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn’t for competitive trap or skeet shooters who demand extended choke options or adjustable combs. The fixed 13.5-inch length of pull won’t suit shooters over 6’2” without modification, and the ejectors — while functional — lack the positive, selective throw of higher-end models like Beretta’s 686 Silver Pigeon. If you need to shoot 3-inch magnums regularly, the 214E’s light weight will amplify recoil beyond comfortable limits.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five RemChoke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a basic choke tube wrench, and a manufacturer’s manual covering disassembly and maintenance. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory doesn’t include a hard case — plan to spend $50-$75 on aftermarket protection if traveling to remote hunt locations. The MC-5 choke set covers 90% of field and clay scenarios, but serious competitors might invest in aftermarket tubes for specialized patterns.
Is the Charles Daly 214E Compact O/U 12 Gauge 28″ Walnut worth it at $1015.99?
At just over $1,000, this gun delivers exceptional value for hunters who need a reliable, lightweight over/under without custom-shop prices. Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga at $850, the 214E justifies the $165 premium with its 12-gauge versatility, walnut stock, and finer checkering detail. If you’re upgrading from a pump or autoloader and want a lifetime field gun, this is one of the few sub-$1,200 options that doesn’t cut corners on metal-to-wood fit.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946513 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.359 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| length | 36.9500 |
| package height | 4.2 |
| package width | 10.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 11.85 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses RemChoke threading, which is industry-standard and compatible with most aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson’s or Briley. The included MC-5 set covers patterns from Cylinder to Full, but you can swap in specialized tubes for turkey or long-range clays. Just avoid using steel shot with tighter than Modified chokes to prevent damage.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 43-inch overall length leaves 5 inches of clearance in a typical case. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case for mine, which allows extra space for chokes and cleaning kits. For airline travel, check TSA regulations — shotguns must be declared and stored in locked, hard-sided containers.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1-2 business days, and ground shipping takes 3-5 days continental U.S. depending on your location. Expedited options are available for an additional fee, but all firearms shipments require adult signature and FFL transfer — factor in your local dealer’s processing time, which can add 24-48 hours.
- Can I return it if it doesn’t fit?
- Firearms are final sale due to federal regulations, but Ironclad Armory covers defects under their lifetime warranty. If the stock length is unsuitable, consider having a gunsmith shorten it — a 1-inch reduction costs around $120-$150 and takes about 3 days. Always test-fit similar models at a local dealer before purchasing online.