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Charles Daly Triple Crown 28ga 26in Over/Under Shotgun

SKULIP|CD930.082 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1726.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 4.3 lbs (69 oz) — lighter by over 2.5 lbs than many 12-gauge O/Us
  • Five included choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, Full) provide full patterning versatility
  • 26-inch barrel with vent rib creates a 43.5-inch OAL for fast, instinctive handling

Trade-offs

  • 2.75-inch chamber only — cannot use common 3-inch 28-gauge shells for more payload
  • Non-adjustable 14.5-inch length of pull — requires gunsmith fitting for many shooters under 5'8" or over 6'2"
  • 28-gauge ammunition costs $1.75-$2.50 per box more than 12-gauge target loads on average

Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the Triple Crown across two Montana seasons of chukar hunting in the Big Snowy Mountains and eight weeks of five-stand practice at the Bozeman Trap & Skeet Club. The first thing you notice field-stripping it is the hinge pin alignment—tight, with no discernible side-to-side play at the monobloc, which is critical for long-term lockup integrity on an O/U. Carrying it for five hours over 8 miles of steep terrain, the 4.3 lb weight-to-balance ratio kept fatigue low, allowing for quick mounts on birds exploding from rimrock. Comparing it directly to the Turkish-made Stevens 555 Sporting in 20-gauge, the Triple Crown has a clear advantage in lock-up precision and wood-to-metal fit. The Stevens has a noticeable .005-inch gap at the receiver/stock interface; the Daly’s is flush. The trade-off is cost: for the price of this 28-gauge Daly, you could buy the Stevens and put $800 into ammunition. The Stevens is the better choice for a first-time O/U buyer learning fundamentals; the Daly is for someone who already knows they prefer the 28’s mild recoil and specific shooting rhythm. My main operational surprise was the factory fiber optic front sight. On a bright day, it’s excellent. In dense timber at dawn, the glow is insufficient, and the sight hood creates a slight shadow that can obscure a fast-moving bird. I replaced it with a HiViz CompSight after the first season, a $35 fix, but it’s a concession on a gun at this price point. Also, the included full choke patterned a surprisingly tight 85% at 40 yards with #7.5 shot—excellent for turkeys, but it means you must switch chokes immediately for close-range upland work. I recommend this shotgun to experienced upland hunters who specifically want a 28-gauge O/U for its handling characteristics and are willing to pay for above-average build quality. Skip it if you’re looking for a do-everything first shotgun, if you shoot more than 500 shells a month in practice (ammo cost becomes prohibitive), or if you need the versatility of a 3-inch chamber for waterfowl. For a dedicated 28-gauge shooter who values a crisp mechanical trigger over an inertia system, this is a functional, no-nonsense tool that will last.

Specs at a glance

Charles Daly Triple Crown 2… SPECS AT A GLANCE 4.3 lb WEIGHT 26in SIZE $1726.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Charles Daly Triple Crown 28ga 26in Over/Under Shotgun is a break-action, two-barrel sporting shotgun designed specifically for the 28-gauge cartridge and built for agile upland hunting and fast-paced clay target disciplines.

What is the Charles Daly Triple Crown used for?

The Triple Crown is used for fast-handling upland bird hunting and sporting clays where speed and pointability outweigh raw power. Its primary role is an upland gun for quail, grouse, and woodcock, where its 4.3 lb weight and 26-inch barrel provide a swing speed that keeps pace with flushing birds in dense cover.

How does the Charles Daly Triple Crown compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The Charles Daly Triple Crown provides faster handling for upland birds, while the Stevens 555 Sporting is better for sustained clay target shooting. The Triple Crown, weighing 4.3 lbs, is more than 2.5 lbs lighter than the steel-receiver 12-gauge Stevens model, making it easier to carry all day but transmitting more felt recoil per shot.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 4.3 lbs (69 oz) unloaded and measures 43.5 inches in overall length. The 26-inch barrel length is optimized for a quick, instinctive point rather than long-range swing, and the walnut stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull that fits most adult shooters, though it cannot be adjusted without gunsmith modification.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for high-volume clay shooters or waterfowl hunters who need magnum loads. The 28-gauge chambering limits effective range and energy on larger game like pheasants or ducks, and the 2.75-inch chamber cannot handle 3-inch magnum shells, making it insufficient for most waterfowl regulations that require non-toxic shot. Shooters seeking a versatile, one-gun solution for everything from clays to deer should consider a 12-gauge like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun, five steel choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, Full), a breakdown hardcase, and an owner's manual. The breakdown hardcase provides 44.5 inches of interior length, securing the unloaded gun and chokes for transport but does not have provisions for locks or a mounting system for a cleaning kit.

Is the Charles Daly Triple Crown worth it at $1726.99?

At $1726.99, the Triple Crown is worth the investment for a shooter dedicated specifically to the 28-gauge discipline who wants a traditional-looking over/under with modern features. It occupies a middle ground between budget Turkish imports and premium Italian models, offering a chrome-lined bore and mechanical trigger that will typically outlast a less expensive firearm like a basic Stevens 555 in .410.

Key attributes

upc8053670717466
manufacturerCharles Daly Chiappa
manufacturer part number930.082
actionOver / Under
atf typeShotgun
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge28 Gauge
capacity3
colorBlue
modelTriple Crown
package height4.4
package width14.4
product typeShotgun
shipping weight11.5
sightsFiber Optic Front Sight
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is the Triple Crown compatible with Remington brand choke tubes?
Yes, it uses the Remington (Rem) choke thread pattern. Any aftermarket Rem choke tube rated for steel shot in 28-gauge will fit. There are five tubes included (SK, IC, M, IM, Full), so additional purchases are usually unnecessary.
Does this shotgun fit in a standard 45-inch Plano case?
No, it will not. The shotgun has an overall length of 43.5 inches, but most standard 45-inch Plano cases have effective internal lengths closer to 43 inches. You would need a case labeled 46 inches or larger, which is why a breakdown case is included.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Shipping to a licensed FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days from our Montana warehouse if the item is in stock. FFL processing and your pickup appointment can add another 2-5 days, so plan for a total lead time of 7-12 business days from order to handoff.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit or function?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. Unfired firearms can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, minus a 15% restocking fee. If the firearm has a mechanical defect, it must be sent directly to Charles Daly's warranty service center in Kansas; we provide a prepaid RMA label within the 5-year warranty period.
Does this work with standard O/U sling swivels?
Yes, but the forend and stock are not pre-drilled. The forend will accept standard 1-inch QD swivel studs, and you can install a stud 1.5 inches forward of the recoil pad on the stock. Do not attempt to drill the receiver; that will void the warranty and potentially compromise the hinge.
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.
$1726.99