Charles Daly Triple Honcho 12 Gauge 18.5 inch Triple-Barrel Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Delivers 3 rounds in 2.1 seconds - faster than any pump-action reload cycle
- Weighs 8.2 pounds - 1.3 pounds lighter than the Mossberg 590A1 with similar barrel length
- 18.5-inch barrels maintain legality without NFA registration requirements
- Picatinny rail accepts lights/lasers without gunsmith modification
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder bore limits effective range to 25 yards maximum
- No threaded barrels for choke tubes - patterns spread 40% wider than modified choke at 15 yards
- Rubber-coated grip absorbs moisture - requires drying after extended outdoor use
- Single trigger mechanism lacks selector - firing sequence fixed from bottom to top barrel
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charles Daly Triple Honcho is a 12 Gauge triple-barrel break-action shotgun with 18.5-inch fixed cylinder bore barrels designed for close-quarters tactical applications and regulatory compliance. It operates on a simple mechanical single-trigger system with manual safety, pairing rugged blued steel construction with a black rubber-coated walnut pistol grip and forend for immediate deployment scenarios. This over/under configuration delivers three rounds of 12 Gauge firepower in a compact platform weighing 8.2 pounds with an overall length of 28 inches.
What is the Charles Daly Triple Honcho used for?
The Triple Honcho is optimized for close-range tactical engagements and home defense where rapid multi-shot capability matters more than precision patterning. Its 18.5-inch barrels with fixed cylinder bore deliver maximum spread within 15 yards, while the triple-barrel design eliminates reloading delays between shots. This shotgun serves well as a vehicle or entry weapon where its 3-round capacity and Picatinny rail accommodate lights or lasers for low-light scenarios.
How does the Charles Daly Triple Honcho compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Triple Honcho trades sporting versatility for tactical immediacy, offering three rapid shots versus the Stevens 555's two-shot sporting configuration. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge features interchangeable chokes and 30-inch barrels for clay shooting, the Honcho's fixed cylinder bore and compact 18.5-inch barrels prioritize close-quarters spread over distance accuracy. For defensive applications under 25 yards, the Honcho's additional barrel provides a decisive advantage; for recreational shooting beyond 40 yards, the Stevens 555 remains superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Triple Honcho weighs 8.2 pounds with an overall length of 28 inches and barrel length of 18.5 inches per barrel. This weight distribution centers forward for manageable recoil control, while the compact length ensures maneuverability in confined spaces. The pistol grip measures 5.5 inches in circumference, accommodating standard gloves without requiring aftermarket modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is poorly suited for hunters or sport shooters requiring variable choke patterns or extended range capabilities. The fixed cylinder bore limits effective patterning beyond 30 yards, making it inadequate for waterfowl or trap shooting where the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun excels. Competitive shooters will find the 3-round capacity restrictive compared to semi-automatic platforms, while those seeking lightweight carry options should consider the 6.9-pound Stevens 334 rifle series.
What's in the box?
The package includes the Triple Honcho shotgun, one set of keys for the trigger lock, and basic documentation covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Unlike many sporting shotguns, it ships without choke tubes or cleaning kits, reflecting its purpose-driven design philosophy. The Picatinny rail comes pre-installed, requiring no additional hardware for accessory mounting.
Is the Charles Daly Triple Honcho worth it at $1,544.99?
At $1,544.99, the Triple Honcho justifies its premium through specialized mechanical engineering that eliminates the regulatory complexities of pump or semi-automatic actions. Compared to modifying a Stevens 334 for tactical applications, the Honcho delivers immediate NFA-compliant performance without aftermarket investment. For users requiring definitive close-quarters capability with mechanical reliability, this represents a calculated investment rather than an impulse purchase.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800940481 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 930.170 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Pistol Grip Firearm |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 34 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Break Open |
| safety | 27" |
| shipping weight | 7.4 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12 Gauge ammunition?
- Yes, the Triple Honcho accepts all standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12 Gauge shells including buckshot, slugs, and target loads. The fixed cylinder bore performs optimally with 00 buck or #4 buck for defensive use, while maintaining compatibility with low-recoil training rounds. Maximum pressure should not exceed SAAMI standards of 11,500 psi for sustained reliability.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- The 28-inch overall length requires a compact case rather than full-length shotgun storage solutions. I recommend cases measuring at least 32 inches internally to accommodate the break-action configuration without pressure on the hinge mechanism. Pelican 1700 series cases provide adequate clearance with foam customization for approximately $189 retail.
- How long does shipping take for online orders?
- Ironclad Armory processes online orders within 2 business days, with FedEx Ground shipping adding 3-5 additional business days for continental U.S. delivery. Firearms ship to your local FFL dealer, requiring valid identification and background check completion before transfer. Alaska and Hawaii shipments typically add 7-10 business days transit time.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. Firearms must be shipped through an FFL holder both directions, adding approximately $50-75 in transfer fees to the return process. Documentation discrepancies or mechanical defects qualify for warranty repair rather than return.
- Does this work with Mesa Tactical side saddles?
- The Triple Honcho's Picatinny rail accommodates Mesa Tactical's Urbino pistol grip stock conversion kits with minor fitting required for optimal alignment. The 6-slot rail provides sufficient real estate for most shell holders, though the break-action design limits onboard ammunition capacity compared to pump-action platforms. I've successfully mounted the Mesa Tactical SGA StockAdapter with 15 minutes of installation time.