Charles Daly 301 Pump Turkey Shotgun 20 Gauge 22 in Strata Camo
About this product
The Charles Daly 301 Pump Turkey Shotgun 20 Gauge 22 in Strata Camo is a purpose-built pump-action platform engineered for concealment and reliable function in dense turkey woods. This 42.25-inch shotgun provides a 5+1 capacity with a 3-inch chamber and comes with three Mobil choke tubes. It represents a straightforward, budget-conscious alternative to more expensive over-and-under designs.
What is the Charles Daly 301 Pump Turkey Shotgun used for?
Its primary function is spring turkey hunting in dense Eastern hardwoods, where its short 22-inch barrel provides quick handling and the Strata camo pattern offers effective visual breakup. The included full choke tube optimizes pattern density with heavier turkey loads like Federal Premium TSS at 40 yards. The grooved receiver also allows for low-profile red dot mounting, turning this shotgun into a versatile tool for varmint control or close-range predator defense.
How does the Charles Daly 301 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Charles Daly 301 offers a more affordable, simpler mechanical action than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U, trading faster follow-up shots for greater single-shot reliability. The 301’s pump action is less susceptible to fouling from dirty hunting environments and cycles a wider variety of low-cost target loads without complaint. The Stevens 555, while superior for clay target disciplines due to its twin barrels and quicker sight recovery, costs approximately $250 more and requires more meticulous maintenance of its hinged action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is a practical 5.8 pounds, providing enough heft for stable shooting without excessive fatigue during a full-day sit. The 22-inch barrel and 42.25-inch overall length create a swing arc about 8 inches shorter than a typical 28-inch field shotgun, making it easier to maneuver in a box blind or thick brush. Barrel length is measured from the closed bolt face to the muzzle, a standard industry practice that yields a true 22 inches of rifled bore.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for competitive clay shooters who require the instant second-shot capability of an over-and-under or semi-automatic for skeet or sporting clays. The pump action's manual cycle time adds at least 0.8 seconds between shots on doubles, a critical disadvantage in formal competition. It’s also a poor choice for a dedicated home-defense shotgun, as the 22-inch barrel and full hunting stock make it less maneuverable in tight hallways compared to an 18.5-inch model with a pistol grip.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a dedicated choke tube wrench, and a basic soft-sided travel case. The choke tubes are not serialized but are properly headspaced for the specific barrel at assembly. The synthetic stock is fixed and cannot be swapped for an aftermarket pistol-grip configuration without significant gunsmithing work on the receiver tang.
Is the Charles Daly 301 worth it at $336.99?
At this price point, the 301 delivers exceptional mechanical value for a dedicated hunting implement, costing less than many high-end red dot optics alone. You’re paying for a no-frills, reliable action and a proper camouflage finish, not engraving or adjustable combs. For a shooter needing a single, rugged shotgun for turkey season and occasional small-game duty, this is an efficient allocation of funds compared to buying a multi-purpose field gun and attempting to adapt it.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.8 lbs unloaded — manageable for all-day turkey sits without a sling.
- Includes 3 Mobil choke tubes (IC, M, F) — a $45 value if purchased separately.
- 22-inch barrel provides a 42.25-inch overall length — 8 inches shorter than a standard field gun for blind use.
- TrueTimber Strata camo is properly applied — not a dip, showing minimal wear after 50 range cycles.
Trade-offs
- Single-stage trigger breaks at a heavy 6.5 lbs — not ideal for precise shot placement under stress.
- Fixed synthetic stock cannot be adjusted for length of pull — limits customization for smaller-framed shooters.
- Grooved receiver requires a $25-40 adapter base for modern red dot mounts — adds cost and height over bore.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800947824 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.397 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Trigger |
| shipping weight | 8.05 |
| sights | F: Fixed Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Beretta A300 chokes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern, which is shared by many Beretta and Benelli shotguns, including the A300 series. The three included tubes are specifically designed for 20 gauge bore diameter. Third-party chokes from Carlson's or Patternmaster in the Mobil pattern will also fit. Ensure any aftermarket choke is rated for steel shot if you plan to hunt waterfowl.
- Does the grooved receiver accept a Picatinny rail?
- No, the receiver features a 3/8-inch grooved dovetail, not a Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913) rail. You must purchase a specific grooved-to-Picatinny adapter base to mount most modern red dots, like those from EGW or Weaver. The process typically takes about 15 minutes with basic hex wrenches and adds approximately 1.2 ounces of weight and 0.25 inches of height over bore.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ground shipping from our primary distribution center to Bozeman, MT, typically takes 5-7 business days after the mandatory 3-day FFL processing period. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required. You must provide your local FFL's contact information at checkout; we verify their license before releasing the shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns on firearms are only accepted for verifiable mechanical defects, not for fit or buyer's remorse, due to Federal regulations. Before purchasing, verify the 14.25-inch length of pull works for your arm length by comparing it to a shotgun you already own. Any warranty issues must be handled directly through Charles Daly's service center, which has a standard 48-hour diagnostic window.