Charles Daly 101 Compact 20 Gauge 26in FDE TruTimber Prairie
Pros & cons
What works
- Uses industry-standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes (.20 constriction included) — broad aftermarket support.
- Weighs 5 lbs (80 oz) — manageable for smaller-framed or youth shooters in the field.
- 26-inch barrel provides a 41.75-inch OAL — compact for storage in standard vehicle trunks or safes.
- Price point of $180.99 — undercuts most single-shot competitors by $40-60.
Trade-offs
- Single-shot capacity only — mandates a perfect first shot, useless for hunting flushing birds.
- Fixed synthetic stock with 13.5-inch LOP — no adjustment or replacement options for growing shooters.
- Heavy, gritty trigger pull averaging 7.5-8 pounds — hinders precision for new shooters learning fundamentals.
- FDE finish on receiver is paint-over-phosphate, not Cerakote — shows holster and safe wear within months.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 101 Compact 20 Gauge 26in FDE TruTimber Prairie?
The Charles Daly 101 Compact is a 20-gauge single-shot break-action shotgun designed as an entry-point utility firearm for controlled, single-shot field use. It represents the most stripped-down, functionally essential platform in the American shotgun market at this price tier. The design philosophy is reliability through mechanical simplicity, making zero concessions to rapid follow-up shots or modularity.
What is the Charles Daly 101 Compact used for?
This shotgun is used for introductory training, supervised youth hunts, or as a dedicated tool for dispatching pests at fixed ranges, such as around barns. Its 26-inch barrel provides a manageable swing for new shooters in upland scenarios, though the 5-pound weight and 41.75-inch overall length demand a smaller frame to handle effectively. The included Modified Mobil choke patterns effectively with standard 7/8-ounce field loads at 25 yards, making it suitable for clays or squirrels under close supervision.
How does the Charles Daly 101 Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga O/U?
The Charles Daly 101 is better for absolute beginners on a strict budget, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga is superior for shooters who need a second shot. The 101 is a single-shot break-action priced at $180.99, whereas the Stevens 555 is an over-under with two barrels and two triggers, costing approximately $300 more. For a new shooter who will outgrow a single-shot within a season, the Stevens 555 represents a more durable long-term investment, though the Charles Daly will fulfill the 'first gun' role adequately if budget is the primary constraint.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 5 pounds (80 ounces) and measures 41.75 inches in overall length with the 26-inch barrel installed. The synthetic TrueTimber Prairie stock has a length of pull measuring 13.5 inches, which is 1.5 inches shorter than standard adult dimensions, confirming its intended use for younger or smaller-framed shooters. The barrel's 3-inch chamber accommodates shells from 2.75 inches to 3 inches in length, providing flexibility for light target or heavy field loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters, tactical trainers, or anyone requiring multiple rapid shots. The single-shot capacity renders it useless for dove fields or any scenario where a second shot is critical. Furthermore, the fixed synthetic stock cannot be adjusted or replaced with aftermarket components, limiting long-term customization. If your use case involves more than one target or requires adjustable ergonomics, a pump-action or the aforementioned Stevens 555 Compact O/U is a mandatory step up.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with the fixed TrueTimber Prairie stock installed, one Modified choke tube threaded for the Beretta/Benelli Mobil system, and a basic set of choke wrenches. No hard case, additional chokes, or cleaning kit are provided. Expect to spend an additional $25-40 on a padded soft case and basic cleaning rod before the firearm is range-ready, as the factory packaging is purely functional for shipping.
Is the Charles Daly 101 Compact worth it at $180.99?
Yes, if your requirement is a durable, simple single-shot for basic familiarization or as a dedicated tool gun, and your budget cannot exceed $200. The action is robust, the choke system is industry-standard, and the Flat Dark Earth finish on the receiver provides adequate corrosion resistance for occasional field use. At this price point, you are paying for a functional action and a reputable choke system, not refinements; the trigger pull will be heavy (approximately 7-8 pounds), and the finish will show wear quickly, but the core mechanics will work.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800945080 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.338 |
| action | Single Shot |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| length | 30.3 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 9.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 5.9 |
| sights | Bead Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with other Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, precisely. The barrel is threaded for the standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system, which has a thread pitch of 1.25mm. This means any aftermarket Mobil-pattern choke from manufacturers like Carlson's, Briley, or Trulock will fit. The included tube is a Modified constriction of .020 inches.
- Does this fit in a standard youth-sized shotgun case?
- Yes, but verify internal dimensions. With an overall length of 41.75 inches, it will fit in most cases labeled for 26-inch barrel shotguns. I recommend SKB's 5014-4B single case, which has an internal length of 44 inches, providing adequate clearance for the bead sight.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For Ironclad Armory orders, standard processing is 1-2 business days before shipment. Transit via UPS or FedEx Ground typically adds 3-5 business days. Always contact your chosen FFL dealer in advance to confirm they will accept the shipment and have your current information on file.
- Can I return it if the fit is wrong?
- No, firearms sales through licensed dealers are final per federal law, except in cases of manufacturer defect. If the length of pull (13.5 inches) is too short or long, your only recourse is to sell or trade it through an FFL. This is why confirming stock dimensions before purchase is critical.
- Does this work with a 20-gauge bore snake?
- Yes, a standard .20-caliber bore snake cleans the 26-inch barrel effectively. Use one designed for 20-gauge shotguns, such as the Hoppe's Boresnake in 20-gauge size. The break-action design allows easy access to the chamber for cleaning without needing a rod from the muzzle end.