Charles Daly 214E O/U Shotgun 20 Gauge 26″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 lb — provides stable swing without fatigue during a full day afield.
- Includes 5 Rem-choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, Full) — offers immediate pattern control from 15 to 40 yards.
- Features automatic ejectors — clears both spent shells simultaneously for faster reloads versus manual extractors.
- 14.25-inch length of pull — fits most adult shooters without requiring an immediate stock adjustment.
Trade-offs
- Blued finish is functional, not show-grade — shows wear marks and handling scratches more readily than a matte or cerakote finish.
- Checkering is machine-cut, not hand-pointed — provides adequate grip but lacks the sharp, precise definition of a premium $2,500+ shotgun.
- Trigger lock is basic keyed style — you'll likely want to replace it with a combination or biometric lock for quicker access, adding $25-$50.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charles Daly 214E is an over/under 20-gauge shotgun with a 26-inch barrel designed for a balance of pointability in the field and practicality on the clays range. Built by Chiappa for the Charles Daly brand, it offers traditional Turkish walnut and blued steel construction with modern Rem-choke compatibility and a fiber-optic front sight. This positions it as an accessible entry into break-action shotguns for hunters and sport shooters who prioritize reliability over premium refinements.
What is the Charles Daly 214E used for?
The 214E is used for upland bird hunting and introductory sporting clays. Its 6.8-pound field weight and 26-inch barrels provide a quick, natural swing for flushing pheasant or grouse in tight cover. The included MC-5 choke set (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) lets you tune from close-range brush shots to 40-yard pass-shooting, while the fiber-optic front sight offers a clear focal point against a clay target's sky background.
How does the Charles Daly 214E compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?
The 214E has a more traditional walnut stock profile and uses an automatic ejector system, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact features a slightly lighter, more modern synthetic stock and extractors. For a hunter who values the heft and feel of wood and wants spent shells kicked clear automatically, the 214E is better; for a shooter prioritizing absolute weight savings and simpler manual extraction, the Stevens has the advantage. Both share the same 26-inch barrel length and 3-inch chamber, making them direct competitors in the compact 20-gauge field.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.8 pounds (3.1 kg) unloaded and measures 42.5 inches in overall length. The 26-inch barrels have a ventilated rib that's 8mm wide, and the length of pull from the trigger to the middle of the buttpad is 14.25 inches. This creates a balanced package that neither feels muzzle-light nor stock-heavy, contributing directly to its handling characteristics in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a high-volume competitive shooter who will fire 500 rounds in a weekend or someone seeking a dedicated waterfowl gun. The 20-gauge chamber and lighter construction aren't built for sustained, rapid-fire clays tournaments like a dedicated 12-gauge Stevens 555 Sporting O/U would be. It's also not for the shooter who demands laser-engraved sideplates or a mirror-polished blue—this is a working finish on a working gun.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five Rem-style choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, Full) with a wrench, and a basic, keyed trigger lock for compliance. The manual covers disassembly for cleaning and basic safety protocols. The standard packaging provides minimal protective foam—plan to transfer it to a padded case, which is not included, for transport to the range or field.
Is the Charles Daly 214E worth it at $1,015.99?
At just over a thousand dollars, the 214E is worth it for the shooter who wants a traditional-looking, mechanically simple over/under to last for seasons of upland hunting. You're paying for a select walnut stock, a functional choke system, and reliable ejectors at a price point below many American or Italian-made equivalents. If your budget is strictly under $800, you compromise on wood quality and may lose the ejector system, making this a clear step-up option.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946438 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.351 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.2500 |
| package height | 4.2 |
| package width | 10.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 10.7 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Remington-style chokes?
- Yes. The barrels use standard Remington/Benelli Mobilchoke (Rem-choke) threading. The included MC-5 set is a direct fit, and aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's or Briley in that pattern will work. The choke wrench provided is a standard, flat-key design.
- Does the 20-gauge model fit in a 12-gauge gun case?
- It will fit loosely in most universal 12-gauge cases, but for proper protection, use a case designed for 20-gauge/28-gauge over/unders. The internal dimensions should be approximately 44 inches long and 8 inches wide to accommodate the 42.5-inch overall length and barrel width.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Firearm shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing and compliance verification. The final transfer and NICS check must be completed in person at the receiving FFL, which can add another 1-3 days depending on their backlog and state laws.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns on new firearms are typically only for manufacturer defects, not for fit or preference. You must contact Ironclad Armory support within 3 days of receiving it at your FFL to initiate a return authorization. All returns require the original packaging and are subject to a 15% restocking fee unless the item is defective.
- Does this work with a .410 bore screw-in choke?
- No. The threading is specific to 20-gauge Rem-choke patterns. A .410 bore choke tube has different external threads and diameter and will not seat properly or safely. Always use only chokes marked and confirmed for 20-gauge in this firearm.
- What is the chamber length?
- The chamber is 3 inches (76mm). It will safely fire 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells. Do not fire shorter, sub-caliber inserts or rounds not specifically designed for the chamber length, as this can create dangerous pressure conditions.