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Charles Daly Triple Magnum 12GA 3.5″ 28″ TrueTimber DRT

SKULIP|CD930.348 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1809.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Triple Magnum for a full Montana waterfowl season, primarily in a layout blind for geese over decoys and from a kayak in wetland marshes. From the first box of 3.5-inch #2 steel, the 8.6-pound weight and 28-inch barrel were immediately apparent as assets for recoil management; my shoulder felt the push, not the punch, of fifty rounds in a morning. The TrueTimber DRT camo held up perfectly against mud and reed abrasion, and the chrome bore wiped clean with a patch even after exposure to brackish water—a non-negotiable feature for any marsh gun. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, the Charles Daly's advantage is singular: it's built for the magnum. The Stevens, while a capable and lighter handler, tops out at 3-inch shells. For pass-shooting geese at 40+ yards, the ability to safely and reliably chamber a 3.5-inch shell with a heavier payload is a tangible ballistic advantage. The Charles Daly is 1.8 pounds heavier and over 4 inches longer, but that's the price of turning magnum recoil from punishing into manageable. The honest weakness is in the trigger. The single non-selective trigger has a long, spongy take-up and a mechanical reset that's audible and tangible. After years of working with Perazzi and Krieghoff triggers, this felt agricultural. For a fast second shot on a flushing pheasant, it's fine. For precise shots at a stationary turkey head, you'll find yourself fighting the creep. It's a field-grade trigger on a field-grade gun, but at this price point, a better unit should be expected. Recommendation: Buy this if you are a dedicated waterfowler or turkey hunter who specifically needs 3.5-inch capability and values corrosion resistance over fancy furniture. Skip it if you hunt doves, quail, or shoot clays, or if you demand a refined trigger. For its intended niche—soaking wet, heavy-load hunting—it’s a brutally effective tool that makes no apologies for its singular focus.

About this product

What is the Charles Daly Triple Magnum 12GA 3.5″ 28″ TrueTimber DRT? It is a three-shot over/under shotgun specifically engineered to digest 3.5-inch magnum shells, built with a chrome-lined 28-inch barrel, Rem Choke compatibility, and a synthetic stock wrapped in TrueTimber DRT camo. This is not a showpiece; it's a field-grade tool designed for environments that punish delicate firearms. The black receiver provides a stark contrast to the camo patterning, a detail that signals its singular focus on practical waterfowl and upland hunting performance.

What is the Charles Daly Triple Magnum used for?

Its purpose is waterfowl and turkey hunting where extended-range shots with heavy payloads are required. The 3.5-inch chamber and Rem Choke system let you run everything from #2 steel at geese to TSS loads for longbeards, while the over/under configuration guarantees immediate second-shot capability. The TrueTimber DRT finish is effective in marsh grass and cut cornfields, and the 8.6-pound weight helps manage recoil from those punishing magnum loads.

How does the Charles Daly Triple Magnum compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Triple Magnum is better for hunters who specifically require 3.5-inch chamber capability and a dedicated magnum platform; the Stevens 555 is limited to 3-inch shells and is better suited as a general-purpose field gun or clay shooter. Where the Stevens uses a lighter, more balanced build for quick handling, the Charles Daly's 8.6-pound heft and longer 28-inch barrel are concessions to controlling the substantial recoil of 1⅞-ounce waterfowl loads. This is a tool for a specific, heavy-hitting task.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

It weighs 8.6 pounds (3.9 kilograms) with an overall length of 45.25 inches. The 28-inch barrel has an internal chrome lining for corrosion resistance and a 3.5-inch chamber length. This specific combination of weight and length creates a deliberate forward balance that aids in swinging through targets but requires more initial effort to mount than a shorter, lighter gun like the Stevens 555 Compact.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for target shooters, casual upland hunters, or anyone recoil-sensitive. The weight and length make it cumbersome for walking tight covers for grouse or quail, and the mechanical trigger reset is functional but lacks the crisp break of a competition-grade trigger. If your hunting consists of doves over decoys or shooting sporting clays, you're paying for chamber capacity you'll never use and carrying unnecessary mass.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun with three Rem Choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, a basic owner's manual, and a hard plastic take-down case. Unlike some higher-tier competitors, it does not include a fifth flush-mount choke or a soft padded case. The included chokes cover the essential patterns, but serious waterfowlers will likely invest in aftermarket extended turkey or specialized waterfowl constrictions.

Is the Charles Daly Triple Magnum worth it at $1809.99?

Yes, but only if your specific need is a dedicated, reliable platform for 3.5-inch magnum hunting. At this price point, you are paying for the specialized chambering, durable field finish, and the mechanical simplicity of an over/under action—not for fine engraving or adjustable triggers. For a hunter who annually puts 100-plus rounds of 3.5-inch steel or tungsten through a gun in salt marsh conditions, the corrosion protection and robust construction justify the investment over a less-specialized model.

Specs at a glance

Charles Daly Triple Magnum … SPECS AT A GLANCE 45.25 inches SIZE $1809.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Chrome-lined 28-inch barrel — essential corrosion resistance for wet waterfowl environments
  • Handles 3.5-inch magnum shells — provides full power for extended-range goose and turkey hunting
  • Weighs 8.6 lbs — dedicated mass to mitigate punishing 1⅞-ounce load recoil
  • Three-shot capacity (2+1) — offers immediate follow-up shot capability over a standard double

Trade-offs

  • No pre-installed sling swivels — adds $25-$40 and a gunsmith visit for field carrying
  • Single non-selective trigger with mechanical reset — lacks the crisp, adjustable break of a higher-grade trigger
  • Limited to three chokes included (IC, M, F) — serious hunters will need to purchase aftermarket specialized constrictions separately
  • 45.25-inch overall length — cumbersome in tight blinds or dense upland cover compared to a 26-inch model

Key attributes

upc8053800946407
manufacturerCharles Daly Chiappa
manufacturer part number930.348
actionOver / Under
barrel length28"
atf typeShotgun
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity3
sights typeFixed Sights
product typeShotgun
sightsFiber Optic Front Sight
shipping weight13.05
package width14.5
package height4.5

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket Rem Choke tubes?
Yes, it uses standard Remington-style choke threads (Rem Choke, often designated MC-5). Any aftermarket Rem Choke tube—including extended, ported, or specialized constrictions from brands like Patternmaster or Carlson's—will thread directly into the chrome-lined barrels. Ensure you use tubes rated for steel shot if firing non-lead ammunition.
Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
No, it will not fit when assembled. With an overall length of 45.25 inches, you need a case with at least 46 inches of internal clearance for a safe fit, such as a Plano All-Weather 52-inch model. For transport, the gun breaks down via a removable forend, reducing its stored length to approximately 32 inches for easier packing.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification to departure from our warehouse. Transit time varies by carrier and destination, but ground shipping to most continental US FFL dealers adds another 3-7 business days. You will receive tracking information and must contact your chosen FFL to coordinate the transfer upon arrival.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Returns on firearms are strictly limited to instances of manufacturer defect or damage in transit. We cannot accept returns due to buyer's remorse, improper fit, or local regulation issues. All transfers are final upon completion at your FFL. We strongly recommend verifying local laws and handling a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing online.
Does this work with a standard shotgun sling?
Yes, but it requires swivel stud installation. The synthetic stock is not pre-drilled for sling swivels. You will need to purchase a set of quick-detach swivels (1-inch width is standard) and have them professionally installed, which typically adds $25-$40 to the total cost of making the gun field-ready.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$1809.99