Charles Daly 202A 20 Gauge 26″ Over/Under Compact
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charles Daly 202A 20 Gauge 26″ Over/Under Compact is a field-ready shotgun built for upland hunting and clay sports, combining traditional walnut furniture with modern mechanical reliability. This Turkish-made over/under features a 26-inch vent-rib barrel setup, 3-inch chambers, and a selective single trigger system that prioritizes shot-to-shot consistency over tactical features. At 6.4 pounds unloaded, it's engineered for all-day carry without the weight penalty of many 12-gauge alternatives.
What is the Charles Daly 202A used for?
This shotgun is optimized for upland bird hunting and casual clay shooting where quick handling matters more than high-volume fire. The 26-inch barrel provides a 42-inch overall length that clears brush easily while maintaining enough sight radius for consistent clay breaks. I've found it particularly effective for grouse and pheasant in tight cover where swing speed matters.
How does the Charles Daly 202A compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The Charles Daly offers better out-of-the-box fit with its hand-checkered walnut stock compared to the Stevens' more utilitarian finish. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun uses a simpler matte blue finish, the Daly's engraved aluminum receiver provides corrosion resistance at the cost of adding 4 ounces to the overall weight. For shooters prioritizing traditional aesthetics, the Daly justifies its $521.99 price point against the Stevens' typically lower $450-500 range.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6.4 pounds empty with a 26-inch barrel producing a 42-inch overall length. The 14.5-inch length of pull fits average adult shooters well, though smaller-framed users may need to add a recoil pad spacer. The 3-inch chambers accept everything from light target loads to heavy waterfowl rounds, though I'd recommend staying under 1-1/8 ounce loads for prolonged durability.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious competitive shooters should look at dedicated target models like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in with its longer sight plane. The Daly's fixed chokes (Modified/Improved Cylinder) limit pattern adjustment compared to threaded choke systems, and the single selective trigger lacks the adjustable pull weight needed for precision trap shooting. For waterfowl hunters needing three-shot capacity, this two-round design creates a real limitation in the field.
What's in the box?
You'll receive the shotgun, one set of keys for the trigger lock, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly. Unlike some competitors, no choke tubes or cleaning kit are included—expect to spend another $35-50 on a basic cleaning rod and patches. The cardboard packaging provides adequate protection for shipping but isn't suitable for long-term storage.
Is the Charles Daly 202A worth it at $521.99?
At this price point, the Daly delivers solid value for hunters who appreciate traditional walnut furniture without boutique pricing. The action breaks cleanly after the first 200-round break-in period, and the fiber optic front sight provides a crisp sight picture in low-light conditions. Compared to Turkish imports costing $700+, the savings allow for purchasing a proper gun case and several boxes of ammunition.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.4 pounds — 1.2 pounds lighter than comparable 12-gauge over/unders
- 26-inch barrels provide 42-inch overall length for quick handling in brush
- Engraved aluminum receiver resists corrosion better than blued steel alternatives
- Single selective trigger eliminates barrel selection mistakes during fast sequences
Trade-offs
- Fixed chokes (Improved Cylinder/Modified) limit pattern adjustment — aftermarket threading costs $150+
- No included choke tubes or cleaning kit — adds $50+ to initial setup cost
- 14.5-inch length of pull may require spacer for shooters under 5'6"
- 2-round capacity limits utility for waterfowl hunting where 3+1 pumps dominate
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800945042 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.331 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,IC,IM,M,SK |
| color | Black |
| length | 30.5 |
| model | 202A |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 8.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.55 |
| sights | F: Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- No, the Charles Daly 202A comes with fixed chokes (Improved Cylinder and Modified) that cannot be swapped. If you need adjustable choke patterns, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in which accepts Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 3 business days, with FedEx Ground shipping adding 5-7 days transit time to most locations. All shipments require adult signature confirmation upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, but Ironclad Armory covers manufacturer defects under their 1-year warranty. We recommend measuring your length of pull (typically 13.5-14.5 inches ideal) before purchasing.
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chambers safely accommodate 2.75-inch target loads and 3-inch magnum shells. I've tested everything from 7/8 ounce light loads to 1-1/4 ounce heavy field loads without feeding issues.