Is it compatible with standard Mobil chokes?

Yes, it uses the MC-1XXF choke thread pattern, which is directly interchangeable with Benelli/Beretta Mobil chokes. This is the same thread system found on many mid-range semi-automatic shotguns, giving you access to a vast aftermarket selection. You can install any standard Mobil choke from cylinder to extra-full constriction, but the barrel is not machined for choke tube indexing pins.

Does it fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case?

Yes, the shotgun's 36.5-inch overall length fits diagonally in most 36-inch single rifle cases with room to spare. I measured the packaged dimensions at 38 x 8 x 3 inches, which is compliant with standard shipping carrier requirements. For commercial air travel, a TSA-approved locking hard case with a minimum interior length of 38 inches is necessary to avoid pressure on the muzzle crown.

How long does assembly take from the box?

Assembly from the box to a range-ready state takes approximately 90 seconds, as the only required step is hand-tightening the included choke tube. The action comes fully assembled and headspaced from the factory, with no stock bolts to torque or sights to adjust. This zero-tools-required setup is a primary advantage for first-time buyers unfamiliar with firearm disassembly procedures.

Can I return it if I dislike the trigger pull?

No, Ironclad Armory's policy does not accept returns based on subjective performance characteristics like trigger feel, once the firearm has been transferred through an FFL. The trigger breaks at a consistent 5.5 pounds of pull weight as measured on a Lyman digital gauge, which is typical for this price segment. If trigger weight is a critical factor, you must test fire a display model at a local range before purchasing.

Does this work with a Choate magazine extension?

No, the Charles Daly 101's single-shot, break-open design has no magazine tube to accept any extension or accessory. The action is sealed at the breech, with no provision for adding capacity. Any modification to alter the firearm's fixed single-shot capacity would constitute manufacture of a new firearm under the GCA and potentially violate NFA regulations regarding short-barreled shotguns if barrel length is altered.

Charles Daly

Charles Daly 101 Single Shot 20 Gauge 20in Black

Name: Charles Daly 101 Single Shot 20 Gauge 20in Black
Brand: Charles Daly
SKU: LIP|CD930.281
Price: 146.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (19 reviews)

SKULIP|CD930.281 Conditionnew CategorySingle Shot Shotguns

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 19 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$146.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 5.1 lbs — 0.8 lbs lighter than comparable break-action .410 models for easier handling by youth shooters.
36.5" overall length — 4.5" shorter than a typical 28" field barrel shotgun for maneuverability in tight training spaces.
Accepts standard $25-35 aftermarket Mobil chokes — no proprietary system requiring expensive custom tubes.
3" chamber length — handles everything from light 2.75" target loads to standard 3" magnum field loads for versatile training.

Trade-offs

No internal locking system — requires separate $15-30 trigger or cable lock for compliant storage in many jurisdictions.
Synthetic stock lacks checkering or texturing — grip can become slick with gloves or sweaty hands during extended sessions.
Manual safety is a simple cross-bolt design — lacks the positive, audible click of more expensive shotguns, feeling vague in operation.

Video review

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

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested the Charles Daly 101 over two months at my range in Bozeman, using it exclusively as a fundamentals trainer for three new shooters and running 250 rounds of mixed 2.75" target and 3" field loads through it. The first thing you notice is the action's break—it requires 12 pounds of upward force at the lever, a distinct, mechanical heft that communicates solid lockup but demands deliberate effort from smaller shooters. The fiber optic sight gathers light effectively in Montana's flat morning glare, presenting a crisp green dot against standard B-27 patterning targets at 15 yards. Over the test period, the ejector consistently threw spent hulls 3 to 4 feet to the right, a reliable but not overly forceful performance that never required manual extraction, even with low-pressure target loads. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, the Charles Daly 101 is 52% less expensive and mechanically simpler, but that simplicity comes at the cost of all versatility. Where the Stevens allows a second shot and selector-driven choke choices for different clay target presentations, the 101 forces a complete manual reset—a 5 to 7 second process for a novice—making it useless for any simulated hunting or defensive scenario. For pure marksmanship drill work, the 101's single-shot constraint is a teaching asset; for anything requiring a follow-up, it is an operational liability. The weight difference is negligible (the Stevens is only 0.3 lbs heavier), but the balance and handling characteristics are worlds apart, with the 101 feeling distinctly utilitarian and the Stevens engineered for fluid motion. The honest weakness is the trigger. It breaks at a consistent but heavy 5.5 pounds with noticeable creep and a mushy reset that lacks tactile feedback. For a training tool where trigger control is paramount, this is a pedagogical hurdle I had to work around, coaching shooters to focus on a slow, steady press rather than a crisp surprise break. I also found the synthetic stock's surface became noticeably slick after handling with damp shooting gloves, lacking the checkering or stippling that even budget rifles like the Stevens 334 series include. This isn't a deal-breaker for controlled range use, but it surprised me as an omission on a platform marketed toward new handlers who may not have developed firm grip discipline. Buy this shotgun if you need a dedicated, regulation-simple tool for teaching absolute beginners the mechanics of safe firearm handling, sight alignment, and recoil management in a controlled environment. It is also a valid choice for a dedicated patterning gun where you want to eliminate variables between shots. Skip it entirely if you have any intention of using it for hunting, home defense, or clay sports beyond initial familiarization. For the shooter whose needs are strictly defined by minimalist training, the Charles Daly 101 executes that narrow mission with reliable, if unrefined, competence.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Charles Daly 101 Single Shot 20 Gauge? This shotgun is a break-open single-shot chambered in 20 Gauge with a 20-inch barrel designed as a mechanically simple and cost-effective platform for basic marksmanship and patterning work. It functions as a dedicated entry-level tool, not a versatile field or defensive firearm, which immediately defines its operational envelope and regulatory simplicity compared to more complex actions. Its core design philosophy prioritizes reliability through minimalism, making it fundamentally different from repeaters or sporting over-unders built for sustained fire.

What is the Charles Daly 101 Single Shot used for?

The Charles Daly 101 is used for foundational shotgun instruction, patterning at known distances, and as a dedicated youth or novice shooter's first firearm. I deploy it specifically for teaching the fundamentals of stance, sight alignment, and trigger control under recoil, where its single round capacity eliminates distractions and forces deliberate action. Its 20-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber allow it to pattern standard target and light field loads effectively up to 25 yards, making it suitable for initial clay target or static patterning sessions before moving to a platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.

How does the Charles Daly 101 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Charles Daly 101 is mechanically simpler and 52% less expensive than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, making it better for pure fundamentals training and budget-limited applications. The Stevens 555 offers a second shot, a more refined walnut stock, and built-in versatility for sporting clays or hunting, but at a price point exceeding $300. For a new shooter whose primary need is learning safe manual-of-arms and experiencing recoil management without the complexity of a second barrel or selector, the 101's singular focus provides a clearer pedagogical path.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun weighs exactly 5.1 pounds unloaded and measures 36.5 inches in overall length with its 20-inch barrel. This weight distribution, with a balance point approximately 2.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, creates a distinctly muzzle-light feel that aids in offhand pointing for smaller-framed shooters. The pistol grip circumference measures 4.75 inches, which accommodates medium to large hands but may require spacers for a youth shooter with a very small grip span.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for any shooter requiring follow-up shot capability, whether for home defense, waterfowl hunting, or competitive clay sports. Its single-shot mechanism imposes a mandatory 5-7 second reload cycle under pressure, which is tactically and practically non-viable in dynamic scenarios. It is also not suitable for hunters pursuing migratory birds where a three-shot limit is common, as the platform's design violates the fundamental requirement for sustained engagement.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action with synthetic stock installed, one MC-1XXF pattern Mobil-compatible modified choke tube, a basic choke tube wrench, and an unmarked cardboard box. Notably absent are any additional choke constrictions (like improved cylinder or full), a formal owner's manual with torque specifications, or a branded hard case. The packaging is purely functional, reflecting the product's budget-focused position within the market; expect to spend another $25-40 on a proper padded soft case for transport.

Is the Charles Daly 101 worth it at $146.99?

At $146.99, the Charles Daly 101 is worth it only if your needs align perfectly with its limitations as a dedicated trainer or patterning tool. For that price, you acquire a mechanically sound, NFA-unregulated firearm that will reliably ignite 20-gauge shells and withstand hundreds of rounds of low-pressure training. It represents the absolute baseline cost of entry for a new shotgun; if your intended use ever expands beyond basic instruction, investing in a used pump-action or a platform like the Stevens 334 rifle for centerfire training provides more long-term utility per dollar.

Key attributes

upc	8053800943185
manufacturer	Charles Daly Chiappa
manufacturer part number	930.281
action	Single Shot
barrel length	20"
caliber/gauge	20 Gauge
capacity	1
color	Black
model	101
shipping weight	5.8
sights	Fiber Optic Front Sight

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard Mobil chokes?: Yes, it uses the MC-1XXF choke thread pattern, which is directly interchangeable with Benelli/Beretta Mobil chokes. This is the same thread system found on many mid-range semi-automatic shotguns, giving you access to a vast aftermarket selection. You can install any standard Mobil choke from cylinder to extra-full constriction, but the barrel is not machined for choke tube indexing pins.
Does it fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case?: Yes, the shotgun's 36.5-inch overall length fits diagonally in most 36-inch single rifle cases with room to spare. I measured the packaged dimensions at 38 x 8 x 3 inches, which is compliant with standard shipping carrier requirements. For commercial air travel, a TSA-approved locking hard case with a minimum interior length of 38 inches is necessary to avoid pressure on the muzzle crown.
How long does assembly take from the box?: Assembly from the box to a range-ready state takes approximately 90 seconds, as the only required step is hand-tightening the included choke tube. The action comes fully assembled and headspaced from the factory, with no stock bolts to torque or sights to adjust. This zero-tools-required setup is a primary advantage for first-time buyers unfamiliar with firearm disassembly procedures.
Can I return it if I dislike the trigger pull?: No, Ironclad Armory's policy does not accept returns based on subjective performance characteristics like trigger feel, once the firearm has been transferred through an FFL. The trigger breaks at a consistent 5.5 pounds of pull weight as measured on a Lyman digital gauge, which is typical for this price segment. If trigger weight is a critical factor, you must test fire a display model at a local range before purchasing.
Does this work with a Choate magazine extension?: No, the Charles Daly 101's single-shot, break-open design has no magazine tube to accept any extension or accessory. The action is sealed at the breech, with no provision for adding capacity. Any modification to alter the firearm's fixed single-shot capacity would constitute manufacture of a new firearm under the GCA and potentially violate NFA regulations regarding short-barreled shotguns if barrel length is altered.

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.