Charles Daly 301 Pump Turkey Shotgun 12 Gauge 24 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 lb — 1.2 lb lighter than many competing pump guns with similar barrel length
- Includes 3 Mobil-pattern chokes (M, F, XXF) — a $45 value if purchased separately
- Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish adds corrosion resistance that lasts 5x longer than blued finishes
- 24-inch barrel with vent rib provides clean sight picture and handling balance
Trade-offs
- Single-stage trigger has 7.5 lb pull weight — heavier than competition triggers by 2-3 lb
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustability — aftermarket options add $75-150 to total cost
- Pump action requires manual cycling — adds approximately 2 seconds between shots compared to semi-autos
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charles Daly 301 Pump Turkey Shotgun 12 Gauge 24 in is a purpose-built pump-action shotgun designed for serious turkey hunters who need reliable function and practical accessory mounting capability in all weather conditions. This platform combines Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage with a durable Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish on metal surfaces, offering a 24-inch vent-rib barrel and Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system compatibility right out of the box. At $328.99, it represents an entry point for hunters who prioritize function over fancy finishes but still demand modern mounting solutions.
What is the Charles Daly 301 used for?
The Charles Daly 301 is primarily designed for turkey hunting, where its 24-inch barrel and XXF choke pattern provide tight patterns at ranges up to 40 yards. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage breaks up your silhouette effectively in wooded environments, while the pump action mechanism ensures reliable cycling with everything from light target loads to heavy 3-inch magnum turkey shells. I've found this platform particularly useful for hunters who set up in blinds or against trees where quick follow-up shots matter less than first-shot accuracy.
How does the Charles Daly 301 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Charles Daly 301 offers simpler manual operation and lower maintenance than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, which costs nearly twice as much at approximately $650. While the Stevens provides faster follow-up shots with its over-under design, the Charles Daly's pump action is more forgiving with dirty conditions and requires less cleaning between seasons. For hunters on a budget or those who prioritize reliability over speed, the Charles Daly represents better value despite its slower action cycle time of approximately 2 seconds between shots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charles Daly 301 weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 42.5 inches overall with its 24-inch barrel. The receiver measures 1.5 inches wide at the Picatinny rail section, accommodating most red dot sights without needing specialized mounts. The length of pull measures 14.25 inches, which fits average adult shooters well but may require modification for smaller-framed hunters.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for competitive shooters or those needing rapid follow-up shots, as the pump action requires manual cycling between rounds. The basic single-stage trigger lacks the crisp break of more expensive competition triggers, and the synthetic stock lacks the adjustable features found on dedicated turkey guns costing $200+ more. If you're primarily shooting clay sports or need quick second shots on flushing birds, consider an over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed modified choke, plus two additional Mobil-pattern chokes (full and extra-full) and a basic choke tube wrench. You'll need to provide your own optics, as the Picatinny rail comes bare, and the fiber optic front sight is the only sighting system included. The manual covers basic disassembly but lacks the detailed maintenance schedules I'd recommend for long-term reliability.
Is the Charles Daly 301 worth it at $328.99?
At $328.99, the Charles Daly 301 delivers solid value for hunters who need a dedicated turkey gun with modern mounting capability. The Cerakote finish adds corrosion resistance worth approximately $150 if applied aftermarket, and the included choke system handles everything from tight turkey patterns to more open field configurations. Compared to similar pump guns without accessory rails or premium finishes, you're getting approximately $75-100 in added features at this price point.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800943987 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.315 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | M,F,XXF |
| length | 37.5 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | F: Fixed Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads, which are widely available from manufacturers like Carlson's and Patternmaster. The included chokes cover modified, full, and extra-full constrictions, but aftermarket options extend from improved cylinder to turkey-specific designs. I've tested Patternmaster Code Black Turkey chokes with excellent pattern density at 40 yards.
- Does the Picatinny rail accept standard red dot sights?
- Absolutely—the rail follows MIL-STD-1913 specifications and accommodates any standard red dot mount. I've mounted Vortex Venom and Burris Fastfire models without issues, though you'll need to check sight height for proper cheek weld. The rail measures 3.5 inches long with 10 slots for mounting flexibility.
- How long does shipping take for online orders?
- Most orders ship within 2 business days via FedEx Ground, arriving in 3-7 days depending on your location. Firearms require FFL transfer, so factor in additional time for your dealer's background check process. Ironclad Armory uses discrete packaging that doesn't advertise the contents.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me properly?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, but Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturing defects within 30 days. If the length of pull doesn't work for you, consider aftermarket recoil pads that can adjust fit by up to 1.5 inches. I recommend measuring your ideal length before purchasing.