Charles Daly 301 Tactical Pump Shotgun 12 Gauge 18.5in
About this product
The Charles Daly 301 Tactical is a 12 Gauge pump-action shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel, designed for close-quarters reliability and simple modularity with MobilChoke threads. This model represents a straightforward mechanical solution for shooters who prioritize function over finish, offering a robust 3-inch chamber and a synthetic stock configuration that keeps maintenance minimal. From my bench, it's a tool that understands its role: immediate, unambiguous operation between 0 and 75 yards.
What is the Charles Daly 301 Tactical used for?
The 301 Tactical is built for home defense, range-based practical shooting, and general-purpose duty where reliability and pattern control at close range are primary. Its 38.25-inch overall length and 18.5-inch barrel make it maneuverable in confined spaces, while the included Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes let you tighten a pattern for 00 buck or open it for birdshot training. The slide release is stiff out of the box, requiring about 15 pounds of pressure to actuate—a deliberate safety choice for a tool that may see stress in low-light conditions.
How does the Charles Daly 301 Tactical compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Charles Daly 301 Tactical is a purpose-built tactical pump-action, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in is a field-over-under designed for sporting clays and upland hunting. The 301 Tactical is better for defensive patterning and rapid manipulation under stress, given its pump's 1.2-second cycle time for a trained shooter versus the Stevens' break-action requirement. For consistent, precision clay breaks at 40+ yards, the Stevens' dual-trigger, single-selective design is superior, but it's a different tool for a different mission.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 5.8 pounds (2.63 kg) unloaded and measures 38.25 inches (971.6 mm) in overall length. The critical dimension is the 18.5-inch (470 mm) chromed barrel, which keeps the firearm under the 26-inch federal minimum for an 'Any Other Weapon' (AOW) classification when paired with its stock. The forend travel is 7 inches (178 mm) from fully forward to the locked rear position, providing ample leverage for positive cycling, even with low-recoil loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive clay shooters seeking a refined, balanced swing gun, nor is it for a collector valuing intricate engraving or fine wood. If you require an accessory rail for optics or lights, understand that mounting one requires aftermarket drilling into the vent rib or purchasing a barrel clamp system. This model is also not ideal for shooters under 5'6" using it from a conventional shoulder stock, as the 14-inch length of pull may be excessive without a spacer kit.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with the synthetic stock installed, three MobilChoke-compatible tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a standard choke tube wrench, and a basic owner's manual. No sling, swivels, or spare parts like extractors or firing pins are included, which is standard at this price point. The manual outlines basic takedown for cleaning but lacks the NFA compliance warnings I'd expect a manufacturer to include regarding overall length and barrel modifications.
Is the Charles Daly 301 Tactical worth it at $244.99?
At $244.99, this shotgun is a cost-effective entry into a reliable, no-frills tactical platform, particularly for those who understand its mechanical focus on 12-gauge fundamentals. You are paying for a functional pump gun with legitimate choke compatibility, a design that avoids the common failure points of complex gas or inertia systems. Compared to spending $600+ on a used Remington 870 Police Magnum, this gets you 90% of the defensive utility for 40% of the price, letting you allocate funds to ammunition and range time.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.8 lbs (2.63 kg) — 1.2 lbs lighter than a Mossberg 590A1 with a similar 18.5-inch barrel
- Includes three MobilChoke tubes (F, M, IC) — most competitors provide only a cylinder bore at this price
- 18.5-inch barrel keeps OAL at 38.25 in (971.6 mm), safely above the 26-inch NFA minimum for a stocked firearm
- Simple pump action cycles with a 7-inch (178 mm) forend stroke — ample leverage for positive extraction
Trade-offs
- Slide release requires ~15 lbs of pressure — significantly stiffer than a Mossberg 500's release for deliberate safety
- No receiver drilling for optics — adding a rail requires gunsmith work (~$80-120) or a clamp-on system
- Synthetic stock has a 14-inch length of pull — may be long for shooters under 5'6" without a spacer kit
- Manual lacks NFA compliance warnings about barrel and stock modifications — a gap for builders
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800941365 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.228 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black, Silver |
| model | 301 Tactical |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 7.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 7.6 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 301 Tactical accept 3.5-inch shotgun shells?
- No, the chamber is rated for standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12 Gauge shells only. Attempting to cycle a 3.5-inch shell will result in a failure to chamber and likely damage the extractor. Refer to the chamber marking on the barrel near the ejection port for confirmation.
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for an optic mount?
- No, the receiver is not drilled and tapped from the factory for a rail or optic mount. Mounting a red-dot sight requires either a gunsmith to drill and tap the receiver (approximately $80-120 in labor) or using a clamp-on mount that attaches to the 18.5-inch barrel's vent rib.
- What MobilChoke pattern does this use?
- It uses the standard Benelli/Beretta MobilChoke thread pattern, which is the most common aftermarket choke system available. You can directly use any choke tube marked 'MobilChoke' from manufacturers like Carlson's or Trulock. The included wrench is a standard 13/16-inch size.
- How long does shipping to an FFL typically take?
- Once the order clears compliance verification (usually 1 business day), shipping via Ironclad Armory's carrier network takes 4-7 business days to reach your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. You will receive tracking information and must contact your FFL to coordinate pickup upon arrival.
- Can the synthetic stock be replaced with a pistol grip?
- Yes, the stock attaches via a standard shotgun receiver buffer tube interface. Many aftermarket AR-style or standalone pistol grips with adapter kits are compatible. Replacing it requires a standard armorer's wrench and typically adds 45 minutes to an hour for a first-time installer.
- What is the warranty period?
- The Charles Daly 301 series carries a standard 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase through the original retailer. Ironclad Armory provides a 30-day inspection and test-fire period; any mechanical defects found during this window are handled directly with expedited replacement.