Charles Daly 301 Pump Field Shotgun 12 Gauge 28″ Camo

About this product

The Charles Daly 301 Pump Field Shotgun is a 12-gauge, pump-action hunting shotgun built for reliable performance in wet or brushy environments, distinguished by its full-camo TrueTimber DRT synthetic stock and forend. It’s a utilitarian field gun that prioritizes straightforward operation and corrosion resistance over refined aesthetics or fast handling. For under $350, it delivers a 28-inch vent-rib barrel, basic choke compatibility, and a platform proven across millions of rounds in other budget models.

What is the Charles Daly 301 used for?

The Charles Daly 301 Pump Field is primarily used for waterfowl and upland bird hunting where weather and brush are concerns. Its 28-inch barrel and improved cylinder choke are suited for lead shot on pheasant or dove, while the 7.4-pound weight helps manage recoil with 3-inch waterfowl loads. This is not a home-defense or clay-breaking gun—its 48.25-inch overall length is unwieldy indoors, and the fixed camo stock lacks the adjustability needed for consistent sporting clays.

How does the Charles Daly 301 compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Charles Daly 301 is a more durable, weather-resistant option for harsh environments than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. The 301's synthetic camo stock won't swell or warp in rain, and its pump action is less sensitive to dirt and debris than the 555's over-under break-action mechanism. However, the Stevens 555 is far better for recreational clay shooting, offering faster follow-up shots with its dual triggers and superior balance from its 30-inch barrels.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun weighs 7.4 pounds (119 ounces) unloaded and measures 48.25 inches in overall length. The 28-inch barrel has a 0.73-inch outside diameter at the vent rib and uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads (Mobil is the metric equivalent of Benelli Crio). Keep in mind, adding a 1.5-inch extended choke tube and a 3-inch magnum shell will bring the overall loaded length to just over 49 inches and the weight closer to 7.9 pounds.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for competitive shooters, home defenders, or anyone needing a multi-role firearm. The fixed synthetic stock lacks a recoil pad and has a length of pull fixed at approximately 14.25 inches, which is too long for many younger or smaller-framed shooters. The pump cycle requires a full 8-inch forend travel to eject a spent 2.75-inch shell, which is slower than the 5-inch stroke on a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870.

What's in the box?

You get the shotgun, two Mobil choke tubes (Full and Improved Cylinder), a combo wrench, and typically one plastic trigger lock. The chokes are basic flush-mount models with notches for the provided wrench; they lack the extended profiles or specialized constrictions (like Skeet or Modified) found with higher-end field guns. The wrench is a stamped steel piece—adequate for occasional use, but prone to rounding choke tube notches if overtightened.

Is the Charles Daly 301 worth it at $336.99?

At $336.99, the Charles Daly 301 is worth it as a dedicated, single-purpose waterfowl or foul-weather hunting tool where you expect to drag the gun through mud and reeds. Its value lies in its corrosion-resistant finish and functional choke system, not in its refinement or versatility. If your hunting involves multiple game types or you also shoot clays, the extra $250 for a used Remington 870 or a new Stevens 555 Compact provides significantly better adaptability.