Charles Daly 202 O/U Shotgun 12 Gauge 28″ Walnut

About this product

What is the Charles Daly 202 O/U Shotgun?

The Charles Daly 202 is a field-grade, 12-gauge over/under shotgun built for shooters who need traditional manual-of-arms simplicity in a package that handles standard 3" shells and includes a full Mobil-style choke set. It’s a break-action design, which means no gas systems to clean and a direct mechanical relationship between trigger and sear. For a buyer considering a modern over/under under $600, this gun represents the entry point where basic mechanical reliability becomes a reasonable expectation—anything cheaper typically costs you more in gunsmith visits. It sits distinctly below higher-grade sporting models but offers a specific utility for a shooter who values predictable, straightforward operation above advanced features.

What is the Charles Daly 202 used for?

This shotgun is for trap, skeet, and informal sporting clays, where its 28-inch vent-rib barrel provides a smooth swing plane, and for upland hunting over a dog where its 7.3-pound weight remains manageable over a full day. The 3-inch chamber lets you run everything from light 7/8-ounce target loads to heavy 1 1/4-ounce upland loads, which covers the majority of 12-gauge ammunition you will encounter off the shelf. I would not choose it for waterfowl in a blind, where its uncoated walnut stock will absorb moisture, or for tactical shooting, where the mechanical safety and manual crossbolt selector demand deliberate operation under stress. It is a tool for stationary or walking shooting, not for dynamic movement.

How does the Charles Daly 202 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Charles Daly 202 is better for a traditionalist who dislikes synthetic components, as it uses a solid walnut stock, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in uses a two-piece walnut/forend assembly that some shooters find more utilitarian in feel. Mechanically, the Stevens 555 series incorporates a simplified inertia-system trigger assembly that reduces parts count and potential fouling points, an advantage for a shooter who puts hundreds of rounds through it weekly and wants easier field maintenance. The Charles Daly uses a more complex linkage system, which can be more sensitive to grittiness if not kept clean. For a budget-minded shooter who wants a dedicated 30-inch sporting configuration, I would direct them to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in; for someone who prefers a classic 28-inch field profile and doesn’t mind a slightly heavier trigger pull, the Charles Daly is acceptable.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun weighs 7.3 pounds and measures 45 inches overall length, with a barrel length of 28 inches (711 mm) to the breech face. That weight is 0.4 pounds heavier than a typical polymer-stocked 12-gauge pump of equivalent barrel length, which puts more mass behind perceived recoil but also means you will feel it after 150 rounds on a sporting clays course. The 28-inch barrel length is the North American standard for field and recreational clay shooting, providing a 14.5-inch sight radius from front bead to receiver for improved visual tracking compared to a 26-inch barrel. The length of pull is 14.5 inches (368 mm), which fits most adult male shooters wearing a standard field jacket without modification.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for a shooter who demands sub-4-pound trigger pull weights out of the box—the factory trigger breaks at 5.5 to 6 pounds, which is functional but heavy for precision clay work. It is also not for someone who plans to use high-volume, low-cost steel shot ammunition exclusively; while the Mobil-style chokes are steel-shot rated, the uncoated walnut stock will show dings and the blued steel will require more frequent oiling to prevent surface corrosion compared to a hard-anodized receiver. Finally, avoid this if your primary activity is defensive or three-gun shotgun—the mechanical safety and break-action design are too slow for rapid engagement sequences. For a dedicated home-defense over/under, look at our piece on suppressed shotguns or a dedicated tactical model.

What's in the box?

The shotgun ships with five Mobil-style choke tubes (F, IC, IM, M, SK), a basic choke tube wrench, and the factory receiver-mounted mechanical safety key—a critical piece, as the gun cannot fire without it installed. That's a full set of patterning options, from Full for trap at 40 yards to Skeet for clays at 21 yards. You also get a 3-inch chamber proof target, which is a factory test-fire certification, but no cleaning kit, sling swivels, or case beyond a simple cardboard box. Expect to spend an additional $40 on a proper silicone sock for storage and a $12 bottle of CLP to maintain the exposed walnut and blued steel.

Is the Charles Daly 202 worth it at $564.99?

Yes, but only if your priority is a classic walnut-stocked over/under that can handle 3-inch shells and you accept that the trigger and action will feel utilitarian, not refined. At this price point, you are paying for functional materials—the walnut stock, the chromed steel receiver—and a Mobil-style choke system that is compatible with aftermarket options from Patternmaster and Carlson's. Compared to a used Ruger Red Label or Browning Citori, which can command $900+ in similar condition, you are getting a new gun with a warranty and zero prior owner wear. I recommend it as a 'first over/under' for a shooter moving up from a pump or semi-auto who wants to learn break-action mechanics without a four-figure investment, or as a dedicated 'loaner gun' for the range that won't cause financial stress if it gets scratched.