Charles Daly Triple Crown Triple Crown Empire Grade 20/28 Gauge
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-gauge system consolidates two dedicated firearms into one platform with two matched 28" barrel sets
- Empire-grade finish with deep-cut floral engraving on a white receiver provides heirloom-level aesthetics
- Complete package weight of 6.8 lbs (28-ga config) allows for fast handling and all-day carry in the field
- Includes a fitted hard case valued at ~$150, essential for protecting the two-barrel investment
Trade-offs
- High-gloss white receiver finish shows fingerprints and field grime immediately, requiring diligent post-hunt cleaning
- Limited to two fixed chokes (Cylinder, Improved Modified); a full 5-choke set would cost an additional $120+
- At $3,925.99, the price is a significant premium over a single high-quality O/U like a Browning Citori 725
- Fixed 14.5" length of pull may not fit shooters under 5'8" without professional stock alteration
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charles Daly Triple Crown Empire Grade 20/28 Gauge is a high-grade dual-gauge over/under shotgun engineered for a versatile single-platform shooting experience. It combines traditional break-action mechanics with interchangeable barrels for two gauges, presented in an engraved and walnut-finished configuration suitable for both the field and the range. This configuration directly addresses the niche requirement for a hunter or competitive shooter who demands gauge flexibility without compromising on receiver aesthetics or operational simplicity.
What is the Charles Daly Triple Crown Empire Grade 20/28 Gauge used for?
Its primary use is as a multi-gauge sporting and upland hunting platform, allowing a hunter to switch between 20-gauge and 28-gauge performance without carrying a second firearm. The 3" chamber handles standard game and target loads for each gauge, while the fixed walnut stock and fiber-optic front sight prioritize quick, instinctive handling and reliable sight acquisition in varied light. At a total weight of 6.8 pounds for the complete set, it’s a manageable field piece for long walks, not a specialized heavy target gun.
How does the Charles Daly Triple Crown compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Charles Daly is a fundamentally different proposition, being a dual-gauge Empire-grade gun focused on aesthetic detail and versatility, where the Stevens 555, like the 12-gauge model, is a single-gauge, value-focused workhorse. The Daly's white, engraved receiver and hand-fitted walnut represent a significant step up in finish quality and visual presentation, with a corresponding price increase of over $2,200. For a shooter needing one dedicated, rugged target gun, the Stevens is the better practical choice; for someone prioritizing a heirloom-quality set that covers two distinct gauges, the Daly is the clear selection.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The complete takedown case with both barrel sets and chokes weighs 11.4 pounds for transport; the assembled 28-gauge configuration has an overall length of 46.5 inches and weighs approximately 6.5 pounds, while the 20-gauge barrels add roughly 0.3 pounds. Each barrel set is 28 inches long with a ventilated rib, and the fixed walnut stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull, a standard dimension for adult shooters that may require fitting for smaller-framed individuals. The specific weight distribution favors the 28-gauge for a faster swing, a noticeable 8-ounce difference from its 20-gauge sibling.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the budget-conscious shooter seeking a first over/under or a dedicated high-volume clay target gun like a Browning Citori. The dual-gauge system adds complexity and cost over a single-gauge model, and the intricate engraving on the white receiver is a maintenance consideration in wet or muddy conditions, requiring more diligent cleaning than a matte or blued finish. Furthermore, the fixed chokes (Cylinder and Improved Modified) limit pattern customization compared to a full multi-choke set, making it less ideal for a shooter who requires specific constrictions for every sporting clay station.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete firearm system: the engraved receiver with fixed walnut stock, a matched pair of 20-gauge and 28-gauge vent-rib steel barrels (each 28" in length), a set of two Rem-choke tubes (Cylinder and Improved Modified), a hard-sided takedown case for storage and transport, and the factory documentation. Unlike some competitors, it does not include additional choke tubes, a cleaning kit, or a trigger lock, so factor in an additional $75-150 for a basic set of aftermarket chokes if you need more constriction options beyond the provided two.
Is the Charles Daly Triple Crown Empire Grade worth it at $3,925.99?
Yes, but only for the specific shooter who values the dual-gauge capability and the Empire-grade aesthetic as a primary requirement. The price reflects the cost of machining and fitting two complete barrel sets to a single, decorated receiver—a proposition that would cost significantly more if sourcing similar-grade components separately. For a shooter who will actively use both gauges for distinct purposes (e.g., 28-gauge for early-season grouse, 20-gauge for pheasant), it represents a consolidated investment. If your needs are met by a single gauge, a purpose-built model like the Stevens 555 in .410 at a quarter of the cost is a far more efficient allocation of funds.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800946469 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.354 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Improved Modified |
| package height | 4.4 |
| package width | 14.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 18.7 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard choke tubes from other brands?
- No, it uses the proprietary Rem Choke system. You must purchase Rem-branded or specifically Rem-patterned aftermarket tubes (like those from Carlson's or Briley). Standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil or Browning Invector tubes will not thread into these barrels.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, but only when taken down. The complete assembled gun is 46.5 inches long, but the hard case provided is designed for breakdown. For transport, the two 28-inch barrel sets and receiver/stock unit fit comfortably in any case over 32 inches in interior length.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to carrier pickup. Transit time then depends on your location and carrier; expect 2-7 additional business days for ground service. All shipments require a valid, verified FFL dealer destination on file before processing begins.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Unfired, undamaged firearms in original packaging can be returned within 30 days of shipment, subject to a 15% restocking fee and the customer covering all return shipping and insurance costs. Once the firearm has been fired, it is considered used and is not eligible for return under any circumstances. We strongly recommend verifying fit with a similar model at a local dealer first.
- Does this work with a standard 20-gauge snap cap?
- Yes, standard 20-gauge snap caps function normally for dry-fire practice. However, you must use specifically sized 28-gauge snap caps for the second barrel set; a 20-gauge snap cap will not chamber correctly in the 28-gauge barrels and can cause extraction issues.