Charles Daly 500 SxS 12 Gauge 20″ 3″ Chamber 2-Round
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.5 lb — 1.1 lb lighter than a standard pump-action with similar barrel length
- 20-inch barrel yields 37-inch overall length for clearing doorways and vehicles
- Includes 5 Mobilchoke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) for load versatility
Trade-offs
- Extractor-only design slows reloads versus automatic ejectors — adds 1-2 seconds per shell
- No receiver drilling for optics — limits modern sighting upgrades
- Matte blued finish offers minimal corrosion resistance compared to modern ceramics or nickel
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 500 side-by-side 12 gauge shotgun? It is a break-action, 20-inch barreled tactical model chambered for 3-inch shells, designed for straightforward handling and rapid deployment in confined spaces.
This platform prioritizes mechanical simplicity over magazine capacity, using traditional side-by-side barrel orientation for intuitive point shooting at close ranges.
What is the Charles Daly 500 used for?
The Charles Daly 500 serves as a compact-response tool for home defense and a fast-handling range gun for recreational clay breaking.
Its 20-inch barrel and 37-inch overall length make it maneuverable indoors, while the Mobil choke system provides target-shooting versatility. The extractor, not a full ejector, necessitates manual shell removal, a deliberate design choice for control during unloading.
How does the Charles Daly 500 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Charles Daly 500 provides superior speed from the holstered position due to its shorter barrel and lighter weight compared to most over-under shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
The Stevens 555 with its 30-inch barrel is purpose-built for sustained target shooting, offering better balance and a single sighting plane. The Daly 500, at 4.5 pounds and 37 inches long, is 18% shorter and over a pound lighter, sacrificing that stability for faster transitions, making the Stevens superior for sport and the Daly for defensive readiness.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charles Daly 500 has a net weight of 4.5 pounds (2.04 kg) and measures 37 inches (940 mm) from buttplate to muzzle.
The barrel alone contributes 20 inches (508 mm) to that length, with a chamber cut to accept 3-inch (76 mm) shells. The shotgun's approximate width across the twin barrels is 1.5 inches (38 mm), ensuring smooth clearing of standard doorways.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive skeet shooters or hunters requiring more than two quick shots.
The two-round capacity and side-by-side sighting plane cannot match the rapid target acquisition of a ribbed over-under or the high-volume fire of a pump-action. Anyone prioritizing long-range shot patterning over 40 yards will be disappointed, as the shorter barrel sacrifices some velocity and pattern density compared to field models.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, a set of five Beretta/Benelli MC-5 choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), and a basic choke wrench.
You get everything needed to mount the bead and start firing at paper or clays. It does not include a hard case or cleaning kit, so budget for those separately.
Is the Charles Daly 500 worth it at $633.99?
At $633.99, the Charles Daly 500 is worth the price if your primary need is a mechanically simple, compact, and reliable 12-gauge for defensive use.
You are paying for a specialized tool built to a utilitarian standard, not a finely finished sporting heirloom. Its value lies in its purpose-driven design: minimal maintenance, immediate readiness, and Title II compliance avoidance due to its non-short-barreled length.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800947374 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.385 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Full/Improved Cyclinder/Improved Mod |
| color | Black |
| model | 500 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | F: Brass Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobilchoke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil (MC-5) choke system. The five included chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) are standard for that pattern and interchangeable with tubes from those brands. Ensure any aftermarket tubes are specifically marked for the MC-5 thread pattern.
- Does this shotgun have ejectors or extractors?
- It is equipped with extractors, not automatic ejectors. After breaking the action, the shells are lifted approximately 1/8 inch from the chambers for easy manual removal. This prevents spent hulls from being forcefully ejected, which is preferred for controlled unloading on a range.
- What is the thread pitch for the choke tubes?
- The thread pitch is the standard Benelli/Beretta Mobil specification, not a proprietary Charles Daly threading. The specific thread is 0.825-36 UNS-2B. Any gunsmith familiar with this system can service or repair the threading.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing time from Ironclad Armory is 2-3 business days before the item ships. Transit time via our primary carrier averages 5 business days to the continental U.S. Your designated FFL dealer must provide their license to us before we can release the shipment.
- Can I mount a Picatinny rail or optic?
- No, the receiver is not drilled and tapped for optic mounting plates or rails. The sighting system is the fixed brass bead front sight only. Adding a rail would require significant gunsmithing work to drill and tap the hardened receiver steel.