Charles Daly 601 Field 12 Gauge 28in Vent Rib – FDE/Mossy Oak
About this product
The Charles Daly 601 Field is a gas-operated semiautomatic 12 gauge shotgun built for field and sporting use, featuring a 28-inch vent-rib barrel and a durable Mossy Oak finish for camouflage in wetland environments. It operates on a standard gas-impingement system that cycles 2¾- and 3-inch shells reliably with minimal felt recoil. The design prioritizes straightforward function over customizability, making it a workhorse for waterfowl and upland bird hunting.
What is the Charles Daly 601 Field used for?
This shotgun is designed as a durable, low-maintenance field gun for waterfowl and upland bird hunting. The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing for tracking airborne targets, while its 7.2-pound weight helps manage recoil during extended shooting sessions. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern and Cerakote finish offer corrosion resistance for damp marsh or blind environments where bare steel would rust after a single season.
How does the Charles Daly 601 Field compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Charles Daly 601 is better for high-volume shooting and wet conditions, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is superior for precise target sports. The 601’s gas-operated semi-automatic action reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to the over-under’s fixed breech, allowing faster follow-up shots when a flock flushes. However, the Stevens’ dual barrel setup provides instant choke selection that the 601 cannot match without a manual tube change.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.2 pounds (3,265 grams) and measures 48.38 inches (1,229 mm) from buttpad to muzzle. The 28-inch barrel itself is 711 mm long with a vent rib that's 8 mm wide, providing a consistent sight plane. This length creates a 40-inch sight radius between the fiber-optic front bead and the shooter's eye, which is standard for field shotguns but 4 inches longer than tactical models.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for home defense, 3-gun competition, or shooters who require extensive aftermarket customization. Its fixed synthetic stock cannot be adjusted for length-of-pull, and the receiver lacks pre-drilled holes for optics mounting plates common on tactical models. The 48.38-inch overall length makes it unwieldy for vehicle or hallway use compared to 18.5-inch home defense barrels.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a 1.5-inch polymer choke tube wrench, and a single-page owner's manual. The choke tubes are shipped uninstalled in foam cutouts, requiring the user to hand-tighten one before firing—unlike some competitors that ship with a tube pre-installed to prevent barrel damage from dry-firing.
Is the Charles Daly 601 Field worth it at $347.99?
At $347.99, this shotgun offers exceptional value as an entry-level waterfowl gun that won't corrode after one season in the marsh. The cost is approximately $200 less than competing gas-operated models from major brands, though you sacrifice some refinement in the trigger pull and finish detail. For a shooter who needs a reliable, camo-finished tool for wet conditions rather than a showpiece, this price represents a functional baseline.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.2 lbs – manageable for all-day carrying in the field
- Includes 3 Mobil choke tubes (IC, M, F) – covers all patterning needs
- 48.38-inch overall length – provides stable swing dynamics for wing shooting
- Cerakote FDE finish – resists saltwater corrosion better than blued steel
Trade-offs
- Fixed synthetic stock – no length-of-pull adjustment, limits fit for shooters under 5'8"
- No optics mounting provision – receiver lacks pre-drilled holes for plates
- Basic 8mm vent rib – lacks illuminated mid-bead found on competitors like the Franchi Affinity
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800942805 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.271 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Flat Dark Earth |
| length | 38.5 |
| model | 601 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Fixed Front Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Beretta Mobilchoke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern. Any aftermarket Mobilchoke tube from brands like Carlson's or Briley will thread directly into the 28-inch barrel. The included factory tubes are steel-compatible up to 3-inch magnum loads.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- Barely. With an overall length of 48.38 inches, the shotgun will fit only if the case interior measures exactly 48.5 inches or more. I recommend using a 50-inch Plano All-Weather case to avoid pressure on the muzzle crown during transport.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ground shipping through Ironclad Armory typically takes 5-7 business days to reach Montana after the mandatory NICS background check clears. Express options can reduce this to 3 days, but add approximately $45 to the total cost.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms cannot be returned after the NICS background check is initiated due to federal regulations. You can inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the 4473 form, but once that paperwork is filed, the transfer is final.
- Does this work with mini-shells or Aguila Shorty rounds?
- No, the gas system is tuned for standard 2¾- and 3-inch shells. Mini-shells under 1¾ inches will not generate enough pressure to cycle the action reliably, resulting in frequent failure-to-eject malfunctions during testing.