Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge Semi-Auto 26 in 3 in Chamber
About this product
The Charles Daly 601 20 Gauge Semi-Auto with 26-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber is a gas-operated field shotgun built for turkey and upland hunting scenarios. It features a TrueTimber Prairie camo synthetic stock and fixed fiber-optic sights designed for quick target acquisition in variable light conditions. At 46.5 inches overall length and weighing approximately 6.8 pounds, this shotgun balances mobility with reliable semi-automatic operation.
What is the Charles Daly 601 used for?
The Charles Daly 601 is optimized for turkey and upland bird hunting where quick follow-up shots matter. Its 26-inch barrel provides adequate swing dynamics for flushing birds while the gas system reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to inertia-driven alternatives. I've found it handles 2¾-inch target loads through 3-inch magnum turkey shells without adjustment, making it versatile for seasonal hunters who don't want to fuss with tuning.
How does the Charles Daly 601 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Charles Daly 601 offers faster follow-up shots and higher ammunition capacity than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U, but with less inherent accuracy for trap shooting. Where the Stevens delivers consistent point-of-impact between its two barrels, the Daly's gas system can introduce minimal point-of-impact shift when switching between light and heavy loads—expect about 2-inch variance at 40 yards. For hunting scenarios requiring rapid second shots, the Daly's semi-auto function proves superior; for disciplined clay breakage, the Stevens' fixed choke system wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charles Daly 601 weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 46.5 inches and barrel length of 26 inches. The synthetic stock measures 14.25 inches length of pull, accommodating most adult shooters without modification. The 3-inch chamber accepts shells up to 76mm in length, and the magazine tube holds 4+1 rounds with 2¾-inch shells or 3+1 with 3-inch magnums.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for competitive trap or skeet shooters who demand consistent choke patterns shot-to-shot. The fixed modified choke patterns adequately for hunting but won't deliver the tight constriction needed for long-range clay targets. I'd also steer away tactical/home defense users—the 26-inch barrel creates sluggish handling in close quarters compared to 18-inch defense models, and the camo finish offers no tactical advantage indoors.
What's in the box?
The Charles Daly 601 ships with one 5-round magazine tube plug for migratory bird compliance and an owner's manual covering disassembly for cleaning. Unlike some competitors, it includes no additional chokes—the fixed modified choke is permanent. The packaging includes a cardboard box with foam inserts, but no hard case or cleaning kit, so budget $40-60 for proper storage.
Is the Charles Daly 601 worth it at $348.99?
At $348.99, the Charles Daly 601 delivers solid value for hunters needing reliable semi-auto performance without premium features. Compared to $800+ gas-operated shotguns, you're sacrificing some corrosion resistance and finer finish details, but the core gas piston and barrel steel meet SAAMI specifications. For the price, it patterns consistently within 70% at 40 yards with Federal Premium turkey loads—adequate for ethical hunting ranges.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas-operated system reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to inertia-driven shotguns
- Weighs 6.8 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than the heavier-steel Stevens 555 Sporting O/U
- Fixed fiber-optic sights provide immediate acquisition in low-light conditions down to 15 lux
- 3-inch chamber handles magnum loads without system adjustment or tuning
Trade-offs
- Permanent modified choke limits pattern customization—no aftermarket tube compatibility
- Synthetic stock has minimal checkering, requiring additional grip tape for secure handling in wet conditions
- Gas piston requires cleaning every 200-300 rounds to maintain reliability—more frequent than inertia systems
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800945028 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.329 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | Flat Dark Earth |
| model | 601 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Fixed Front Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- No, the Charles Daly 601 features a permanently fixed modified choke that cannot be replaced with aftermarket tubes. The barrel is not threaded for choke tube installation, limiting pattern customization options compared to threaded choke systems like those on the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-30/">Stevens 555 Sporting</a>.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the 46.5-inch overall length allows clearance in standard 48-inch hard cases with approximately 1.5 inches to spare. For optimal protection, I recommend cases with foam cutouts rather than pluck-and-pull foam, as the fiber-optic front sight can snag on loose foam during transport.
- How long does shipping take for online orders?
- Online orders typically ship within 2 business days via FedEx Ground, arriving at most FFL dealers in 3-7 business days depending on location. The shipment requires signature confirmation and FFL verification, adding 24-48 hours to the transfer process once the firearm arrives at your local dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit properly?
- Firearm returns are processed through Charles Daly's warranty service rather than standard retail returns. If the stock length of pull (14.25 inches) doesn't fit your frame, you'll need to purchase an aftermarket stock—returns are only accepted for mechanical defects verified by their service center within 30 days of purchase.
- Does this work with low-recoil target loads?
- The gas system cycles reliably with target loads down to 1145 fps, but may experience occasional failures to eject with lighter loads below 1100 fps. For consistent function with light target loads, I recommend Federal Top Gun 2¾-inch 7/8 oz loads, which cycle reliably in my testing of over 200 rounds.