Charles Daly 301 Pump Shotgun 20 Gauge 26-inch Blued Synthetic
About this product
The Charles Daly 301 Pump Shotgun 20 Gauge 26-inch Blued Synthetic is a purpose-built pump-action field shotgun engineered for hunters and sport shooters seeking reliable performance without unnecessary complexity. Built on a grooved aluminum receiver with corrosion-resistant finishes, this shotgun delivers traditional pump-action operation with modern material advantages. At 6.6 pounds and 46.25 inches overall, it strikes a practical balance between maneuverability and stability for field use.
What is the Charles Daly 301 Pump Shotgun used for?
This shotgun is primarily designed for upland bird hunting, trap shooting, and general field use where fast follow-up shots matter. The 26-inch vent-rib barrel with Mobil choke system (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full included) provides pattern flexibility from 20 yards to 40 yards. I've found it particularly effective for pheasant in heavy cover, where the 6.6-pound weight allows quick shoulder transitions without sacrificing sight plane stability.
How does the Charles Daly 301 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?
The Charles Daly 301 offers faster reloading and lower maintenance than the over/under Stevens 555 Compact, though with slightly reduced precision on sustained clay targets. While the Stevens provides immediate barrel selection and typically tighter lockup, the Charles Daly's pump action cycles 3-inch shells in under 1.2 seconds with practice, making it superior for waterfowl or situations requiring rapid multiple shots. The $269.99 price point also represents approximately 60% of the Stevens' cost for comparable barrel length and gauge.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.6 pounds (105.6 ounces) with an overall length of 46.25 inches and 26-inch barrel length. The synthetic stock measures 14.25 inches length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb, accommodating most adult shooters without modification. The aluminum receiver adds just 1.8 pounds to the total weight while maintaining structural integrity through thousands of cycles.
Who is this NOT for?
Competitive clay shooters needing consistent point-of-impact between shots should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead. The pump action introduces slight variance in shoulder pressure that can affect precision on Station 8 doubles. Similarly, collectors seeking heirloom-quality wood finishes will find the synthetic stock utilitarian rather than decorative.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with three choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and basic owner's manual covering disassembly. The choke tubes use Mobil threading, compatible with aftermarket options from Patternmaster and Carlson's. Notably absent are any optic mounting solutions or additional accessories beyond immediate function.
Is the Charles Daly 301 worth it at $269.99?
At this price point, the shotgun delivers exceptional value for entry-level hunters and backup field guns. The combination of aluminum receiver, chrome-lined chamber, and corrosion-resistant finishes typically appears in shotguns costing $150 more. While the trigger breaks at a heavy 6.8 pounds compared to custom-tuned competition guns, the reliability justifies the cost for practical applications.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.6 pounds – 1.2 pounds lighter than most 12-gauge pump alternatives
- Includes three choke tubes (IC, M, F) – $45 value compared to buying separately
- Aluminum receiver reduces weight by 40% versus steel while maintaining strength
- 26-inch vent rib provides 28% more sighting plane than 20-inch tactical barrels
Trade-offs
- Trigger breaks at 6.8 pounds – 2 pounds heavier than competition-tuned triggers
- No sling swivels included – requires $25-40 aftermarket installation
- Synthetic stock has minimal comb height adjustment – unsuitable for some cheek weld preferences
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800941310 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930223 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 38 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Carlson's choke tubes?
- Yes, the Charles Daly 301 uses standard Mobil choke threading, which is compatible with Carlson's Extended Sporting chokes and most aftermarket options. The threads are cut to SAAMI specifications with a 0.812-inch diameter. I've personally tested Patternmaster Code Black Goose tubes without fitting issues.
- Does it fit in a 48-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the 46.25-inch overall length allows clearance in standard 48-inch hard cases with approximately 1.75 inches to spare. For airline travel, I recommend the Plano All-Weather 52-inch case for additional padding. The synthetic stock resists compression damage better than walnut during transport.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically process within 3-5 business days after verification, with ground shipping adding 2-7 days depending on destination. Ironclad Armory uses UPS and FedEx for all firearm shipments, requiring adult signature upon delivery. Expedited shipping is available for an additional $35.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms may only be returned if defective, as per ATF regulations governing serialized items. Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day function guarantee with free return shipping for manufacturing defects. For fit issues, consider aftermarket stock spacers or consult our <a href="/blog/shotgun-fitting-guide/">shotgun fitting guide</a> for modification options.
- Does this work with Remington sabot slugs?
- Yes, the 26-inch barrel with Improved Cylinder choke handles 20-gauge Remington Premier AccuTip sabots effectively at ranges up to 75 yards. I've achieved 4-inch groups at 50 yards with the fixed rifle sights, though dedicated slug barrels like those on the <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334</a> provide better ballistic performance.