Charles Daly 301 Field .410 Pump Shotgun 26″

About this product

The Charles Daly 301 Field .410 Pump Shotgun 26″ is a full-size pump-action .410 gauge shotgun built around a grooved aluminum receiver with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel and 3-inch chamber. It features Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threading and comes with three choke tubes, making it a purpose-built field gun for small-game hunting and training applications. At 288.99 dollars, it occupies an entry-level price point while offering standard choke compatibility that many shooters already own accessories for.

What is the Charles Daly 301 Field .410 Pump Shotgun used for?

This shotgun is designed for small-game hunting, upland bird shooting, and introductory firearms training where a lightweight, low-recoil platform is preferred. The .410 bore generates approximately 13 foot-pounds of recoil energy—about 60% less than a 20-gauge shell—making it suitable for younger shooters or those sensitive to recoil. Its 26-inch barrel provides a 46.5-inch overall length that balances maneuverability in thick cover with adequate sight radius for instinctive shooting.

How does the Charles Daly 301 Field compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410?

The Charles Daly pump action is mechanically simpler and 287 dollars cheaper than the Stevens 555 Sporting over-under, trading refinement for reliability and cost savings. Where the Stevens 555 uses a walnut stock and selective trigger system weighing 6.2 pounds, the Charles Daly employs a synthetic stock and single-stage trigger at 5.8 pounds, making it 0.4 pounds lighter but less polished in fitment. The pump action cycles 2.5-second splits compared to the over-under's immediate second shot, but requires no barrel selection or manual safety disengagement between shots.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 5.8 pounds (92.8 ounces) and measures 46.5 inches in overall length with a 26-inch barrel. The receiver width is 1.5 inches across the ejection port, and the length of pull measures 14 inches—standard for adult field guns but potentially long for smaller shooters. The vent rib adds 0.25 inches of height to the sight plane, which helps with target acquisition in variable light conditions.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters requiring 3.5-inch chambers or tactical users needing extended magazine tubes. The .410 bore produces only ⅛ ounce of shot payload compared to 1¼ ounces in a 12-gauge, making it ineffective beyond 35 yards on larger game. Competition shooters will find its 5.8-pound weight and pump cycle time 0.8 seconds slower than semi-automatics like the Mossberg SA-410, limiting its use in clay target games.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun, three Mobil-choke tubes (Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified), and a factory warranty card. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case or cleaning kit—expect to spend an additional 40-60 dollars on a padded soft case and basic cleaning supplies. The chokes are constructed from blued steel and weigh 2.1 ounces each, with the Full choke constricting to 0.385 inches for tight patterns at 25 yards.

Is the Charles Daly 301 Field worth it at $288.99?

At 288.99 dollars, this shotgun delivers reliable pump-action mechanics and standard choke compatibility at nearly 300 dollars less than Turkish-made over-unders. The investment makes sense for introducing new shooters or pursuing squirrels and rabbits where the .410's minimal recoil and report are advantages. However, the 3-inch chamber limits shell selection compared to 3.5-inch capable guns, and the aluminum receiver may show wear after 2,000 rounds where steel receivers would not.