Charles Daly 101 28 Gauge 20″ Single Shot Mossy Oak
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Charles Daly 101 28 Gauge 20″ Single Shot Mossy Oak is a break-open, single-shot shotgun with a 20-inch barrel chambered for 3-inch 28 gauge shells. This configuration combines short-barrel maneuverability with the minimal recoil and ammunition efficiency of the 28 gauge platform. The Mossy Oak Bottomland finish and synthetic construction prioritize field durability over cosmetic appeal.
What is the Charles Daly 101 28 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is designed for close-range upland hunting and pest control where a single, precise shot is paramount. The 20-inch barrel provides excellent handling in thick brush, while the XX-Full choke tube patterns tightly at ranges under 25 yards. I'd deploy this for squirrels or rabbits in dense cover where quick shouldering matters more than follow-up shots.
How does the Charles Daly 101 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?
The Charles Daly offers simpler operation at less than half the price of the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact, but sacrifices the over/under's two-shot capacity. For a beginner or budget-conscious hunter who values absolute reliability over rapid firing, the Daly's single-shot mechanism eliminates malfunctions. The Stevens is objectively better for clay shooting or situations requiring a second shot on fleeing game.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 5.2 pounds and measures 37 inches in overall length with its 20-inch barrel. The compact profile is 6 inches shorter than a typical 28-inch hunting shotgun, making it noticeably easier to maneuver through brush. The synthetic stock contributes to the light weight but lacks the heft that helps control recoil in larger gauges.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for waterfowl hunters requiring three-shot capacities or tactical shooters needing rapid follow-up shots. The single-shot design imposes a significant limitation against flushing birds or moving targets. If you're considering the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge for clay sports, the Daly's manual reloading will frustrate you on the skeet field.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube (XX-Full installed), and a basic owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, there's no hard case or additional choke tubes included. The Picatinny rail is pre-installed but requires separate purchase of rings or mounts for any optic.
Is the Charles Daly 101 worth it at $207.99?
At this price point, it delivers exceptional value as a dedicated tool for specific hunting scenarios. The investment makes sense if you need a lightweight, no-frills shotgun for occasional use where shot placement trumps firepower. For $200 more, you could step up to a used pump-action with greater versatility.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.2 pounds – 2.3 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 Rifle
- 20-inch barrel provides 37-inch overall length for tight spaces
- Accepts 3-inch shells for maximum 28 gauge payload versatility
- Picatinny rail allows immediate optics mounting without gunsmithing
Trade-offs
- Single-shot only – manual reloading limits follow-up capability
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable length of pull or comb height
- No additional choke tubes included beyond the XX-Full pattern
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800949019 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.425 |
| action | Break Open |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 1rd |
| chokes included | XX-Full |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 5.8 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with all Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, it accepts the entire Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system lineup. The thread pattern is standard for these tubes, allowing you to use everything from Cylinder to XX-Full. You'll need to purchase additional chokes separately as only the XX-Full is included.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch shotgun case?
- Easily – the 37-inch overall length leaves 3 inches of clearance in a 40-inch case. Most universal soft cases will accommodate this compact profile without issue. Hard cases designed for broken-down shotguns provide even more flexibility.
- How long does shipping take for online orders?
- Ironclad Armory processes online orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-5 days transit time. Firearms ship to your selected FFL dealer, who will conduct the required background check upon arrival.
- Can I return it if the finish doesn't match the photos?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects, but cosmetic variations in Mossy Oak patterns are not considered defects. The camo finish is applied by hydro-dipping, which produces slight variations between individual firearms.
- Does this work with a Redfield 2-7x scope?
- Yes, the Picatinny rail will accommodate any scope with standard rings. A compact 2-7x scope like the Redfield Revolution would be ideal for this shotgun's effective range. You'll need to purchase low-profile rings separately to maintain proper cheek weld.