Charles Daly 301 Pump 12 Gauge 28in Woodlands Camo
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.5 pounds—0.3 lbs lighter than a Mossberg 500 Field
- Includes 3 choke tubes (Full, Modified, IC) for patterning flexibility
- Cerakote finish adds corrosion resistance—lasts 5x longer than bluing
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb or length—limits custom fit for $100+
- 4+1 capacity falls short for waterfowl blinds where 8+1 tubes are standard
- No threaded barrel for chokes—requires gunsmithing for aftermarket options ($150+)
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 301 Pump 12 Gauge 28in Woodlands Camo?
The Charles Daly 301 is a pump-action 12-gauge hunting shotgun featuring a 28-inch vent-rib barrel, Woodlands camo synthetic stock, and Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke compatibility. Designed for upland hunting and clays, it balances affordability with functional features like a fiber-optic front sight and Cerakote-finish metal. At 7.5 pounds unloaded, it's a practical field gun for shooters who need reliability without custom gunsmithing.
What is the Charles Daly 301 used for?
This shotgun is built for upland bird hunting, clay target sports, and general field use where durability and concealment matter. The 28-inch barrel provides smooth swing dynamics for crossing shots, while the included Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes let you pattern from tight turkey loads to open-field pheasant. I'd run this on Montana sharptail hunts where brush demands camo and 3" chamber versatility.
How does the Charles Daly 301 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Charles Daly 301 outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in weight distribution and shell capacity, holding 4+1 rounds versus the Stevens' 2-shot limit. However, the Stevens 555 Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber offers faster follow-up shots with its over-under action, making it superior for competitive trap where split seconds count. Choose the Daly for volume shooting and harsh environments; pick the Stevens for precision clays.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7.5 pounds (120 ounces), with an overall length of 48 inches and a 28-inch barrel. The 14.5-inch length of pull fits average adult shooters, while the 1.5-inch thick recoil pad mitigates 12-gauge kick over long days. Compared to synthetic-stock alternatives like the Mossberg 500, it's 0.3 pounds lighter but maintains a 3" chamber for heavy waterfowl loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for tactical or home-defense users needing short barrels and high-capacity tubes. The 28-inch barrel adds swing weight unsuited to CQB, and the 4+1 capacity falls short of dedicated defense models like the Mossberg 590's 8+1. If you're prioritizing NFA-compliant short-barreled shotguns or suppressor-ready builds, invest in a platform with more aftermarket support.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, three choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube key, and owner's manual. No case or cleaning kit is included—plan to add a $50 hard case for transport and a bore snake for maintenance. The choke threads are Beretta/Benelli Mobil pattern, compatible with aftermarket options from brands like Carlson's.
Is the Charles Daly 301 worth it at $298.99?
At $298.99, it's a fair value for a camo-finished, choke-ready field gun that needs no gunsmithing to hunt. You're getting Cerakote protection and fiber-optic sighting typically found on shotguns costing $150 more, like the Remington 870 Express. Just know the synthetic stock lacks the adjustability of higher-end models, so if you need a custom fit, consider the the Stevens 334 Rifle for precision upgrades.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800945035 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.330 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Flat Dark Earth |
| length | 37.5 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 9.55 |
| sights | F: Fixed Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads, so any Mobil-pattern tube from brands like Carlson's or Briley will fit. The included chokes are Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder—sufficient for most hunting, but aftermarket options are available.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- With a 48-inch overall length, it requires a case rated for 50 inches or longer. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case for transport; avoid compact cases designed for 26-inch barrels.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders in 1-2 business days, with ground shipping taking 3-5 days continental U.S. Expect delays for FFL verification—add 24 hours for paperwork clearance.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for un-fired firearms, but you cover shipping and a 15% restocking fee. FFL transfer fees are non-refundable, so confirm fit with your local shop first.