Charles Daly 512 Superior 12 Gauge Side-by-Side 28-inch
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 512 Superior 12 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun? It's a break-action SxS shotgun built for traditional field use with a 28-inch barrel length, 3-inch chamber, and Rem choke compatibility. This Turkish-made shotgun delivers classic side-by-side handling at a price point that undercuts many American and European alternatives. The selective single trigger and hand-oiled walnut stock make it suitable for upland hunting where quick target acquisition matters.
What is the Charles Daly 512 Superior used for?
The 512 Superior excels at upland bird hunting and sporting clays where its 28-inch barrel provides stable swing dynamics. With a total length of 45 inches and weighing 7.2 pounds, it's maneuverable in dense cover while maintaining enough mass to absorb 12-gauge recoil effectively. The five included Rem choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) cover everything from close-range grouse to passing doves at 40 yards.
How does the Charles Daly 512 Superior compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The 512 Superior offers traditional side-by-side handling at $932.99 versus the over/under Stevens 555 Sporting's $1,100+ price point. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge provides a single sight plane and potentially tighter pattern consistency, the 512's side-by-side configuration gives faster visual target acquisition for flushing birds in heavy cover. For hunters who value the classic SxS sight picture and quicker handling in brush, the Charles Daly represents better value despite the Stevens' potentially superior long-range patterning.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 512 Superior weighs 7.2 pounds with an overall length of 45 inches and 28-inch barrels measuring 725mm. The walnut stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull with 1.5 inches of drop at comb and 2.25 inches at heel. These dimensions put it in the standard field gun category—lighter than many pump actions but with enough heft to manage 3-inch magnum loads when needed.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for tactical applications or hunters requiring high-volume shooting—the break-action design limits you to two rounds before reloading. Competition shooters who fire 100+ rounds per session will find the 7.2-pound weight and lack of recoil reduction systems fatiguing compared to dedicated sporting guns. For those needing higher capacity, consider our Stevens 334 rifle lineup for larger game or different applications.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, five Rem choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a basic choke tube wrench, and manufacturer documentation. Unlike some competitors, it doesn't include a hard case—expect cardboard and foam packaging only. The chokes are marked with laser etching rather than the more durable engraving found on premium aftermarket tubes.
Is the Charles Daly 512 Superior worth it at $932.99?
At just under $1,000, the 512 Superior delivers authentic side-by-side handling without the $2,000+ price tag of American or Italian equivalents. The gloss blued barrels and hand-checkered walnut represent better finish quality than many Turkish imports at this price point. For shooters wanting traditional SxS aesthetics without custom gun prices, it's one of the better values in today's market—especially compared to the higher-priced Stevens 555 Sporting series.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.2 pounds — 1.3 pounds lighter than many pump-action shotguns
- Includes 5 choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — covers all hunting scenarios
- 45-inch overall length provides balanced handling in field conditions
- Single selective trigger allows barrel selection without manual switching
Trade-offs
- No hard case included — adds $75-150 for proper storage
- Walnut stock finish shows handling marks more than synthetic alternatives
- Choke tubes use laser etching instead of engraved markings — may wear with use
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946476 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930355 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37.0500 |
| safety | Thumb |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Rem choke thread pattern compatible with most aftermarket options from brands like Carlson's and Patternmaster. The threads are cleanly cut and accept tubes without binding. Always check tube length—some extended chokes may protrude beyond the 28-inch barrel muzzle.
- Can I use 3.5-inch shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically cut for 3-inch shells maximum. Attempting to chamber 3.5-inch ammunition risks dangerous pressure spikes and action damage. The forcing cone and chamber dimensions are optimized for 2.75-inch and 3-inch loads only.
- How long does shipping take?
- Most orders ship within 2 business days via FedEx Ground, arriving in 5-7 business days to most continental US locations. FFL requirements add 1-2 days for background check processing. International shipments require special export licensing and take 3-6 weeks.
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Charles Daly provides a 5-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. The warranty requires registration within 30 days of purchase and excludes normal wear, cosmetic issues, or damage from improper ammunition. Claim processing typically takes 3-4 weeks through their Florida service center.