Charles Daly 101 Single Shot 20 Gauge 26″ Walnut/Black
About this product
The Charles Daly 101 is a single-shot, break-action 20 gauge shotgun with a 26″ barrel and walnut furniture built for entry-level field and sporting use. It operates on a manual safety with a 3″ chamber and accepts standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes. This platform prioritizes mechanical simplicity and reliable extraction over capacity or speed, making it a foundational tool for learning or specific utilitarian tasks.
What is the Charles Daly 101 Single Shot 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is used for teaching fundamentals, small game hunting, and occasional recreational clay shooting where shot discipline is more valuable than rate of fire. Its simple break-open action forces the shooter to focus on a single, deliberate shot, which is ideal for youth shooting programs or new hunters. The 3-inch chamber and Mobil choke system allow it to handle everything from light target loads to heavier field loads for rabbits or upland birds.
How does the Charles Daly 101 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The Charles Daly 101 is better for absolute beginners on a tight budget who need to learn manual-of-arms from the ground up, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga is better for shooters ready to progress to a more versatile platform. The Stevens 555 is an over-under with two barrels, offering a faster second shot and typically better balance for sporting clays, but it costs nearly twice as much. The Daly’s single-shot design enforces a slower tempo that builds fundamental skills, whereas the Stevens prepares you for more complex field scenarios.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The empty shotun weighs 5.8 pounds and has an overall length of 41.75 inches. The 26-inch barrel contributes to a balanced, 14-inch length of pull from the walnut stock, which is suitable for most adult shooters. At 41.75 inches overall, it is 4.25 inches shorter than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in O/U Shotgun review, making it slightly more maneuverable in thick brush or for a smaller-statured shooter.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters, competitive clay shooters, or anyone needing defensive capability. The single-shot action is prohibitively slow for waterfowl blinds where multiple fast shots are required, and the lack of a ventilated rib and basic bead sight limits target acquisition speed on a sporting course. For those contexts, a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun, or even a dedicated over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, is a necessary upgrade.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one Modified Mobil-style choke tube pre-installed, and a basic owner's manual. Unlike higher-end sporting guns, you do not get additional choke tubes (like Cylinder or Full), a hard case, or a choke tube wrench; these are separate purchases. Plan to spend an additional $20-30 for a basic choke tube set and a universal wrench if you intend to pattern different loads.
Is the Charles Daly 101 worth it at $153.99?
At $153.99, it is worth it strictly as a low-cost, durable training tool or a dedicated small-game gun where shot count is irrelevant. You are paying for a functional, no-frills action and a real walnut stock, not for refinements like checkering, a receiver finish, or multiple chokes. For the shooter who needs one reliable, simple gun to last for years of occasional use, this represents a fair value; for anyone else, the limitations quickly justify spending more.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.8 lbs empty — 1.2 lbs lighter than many pump-action 20 gauges, reducing fatigue for new shooters.
- 41.75-inch overall length — 4.25 inches shorter than a 30-inch O/U, improving maneuverability in brush.
- Accepts standard Mobil chokes — allows patterning from Cylinder to Full constriction with affordable aftermarket tubes.
- Manual extractor — reliably removes spent hulls without the complexity of an automatic ejector that can launch shells.
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only — reload time is a minimum of 4-5 seconds, making it unsuitable for any scenario requiring follow-up shots.
- Includes only a Modified choke — requires purchasing additional tubes ($15-25 each) for specialized patterning.
- Fixed bead sight — offers no windage or elevation adjustment, limiting precise aiming beyond 30 yards.
- Basic manual safety — lacks a tang-mounted or automatic safety system found on more refined break-actions.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800941433 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.235 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 30.5 |
| model | 101 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 6.5 |
| sights | Bead Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Mobil chokes?
- Yes, it accepts standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes. The included Modified tube is internally threaded, so verify any aftermarket tube is labeled for the Mobil system. I recommend checking patterning with a standard Full choke tube at 40 yards to establish your shot spread with this fixed-sight setup.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The overall length is 41.75 inches, so it will fit in most 42-inch takedown or soft cases. For a more secure fit, consider a dedicated 44-inch case like those from Plano or Flambeau, which will also accommodate a basic cleaning kit.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and ground shipping typically take 7-10 business days to reach your licensed dealer. All shipments require a valid FFL on file with Ironclad Armory before processing begins. Expedited shipping is often available at checkout for an additional fee.
- Can I return it if the action is stiff?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for un-fired firearms with original packaging. A stiff break-open action is common in new single-shots and often loosens with dry-cycle practice; if it's a true mechanical defect from the factory, contact our support team first for a potential warranty service authorization before initiating a return.