Charles Daly 301 Tactical Pump 12 Gauge 18.5in Black
Pros & cons
What works
- 18.5-inch stainless barrel—corrosion-resistant and NFA-compliant without paperwork
- 5.8 lb weight—1.2 lb lighter than a Mossberg 590A1 for easier handling
- Accepts Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes—industry-standard threading for aftermarket options
Trade-offs
- No included case or additional chokes—adds $60-$100 for proper storage and versatility
- Aluminum Picatinny rail instead of steel—limits optic choices to under 16 oz to avoid stripping
- Fixed synthetic stock—cannot be swapped for adjustable versions without gunsmithing
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 301 Tactical Pump 12 Gauge? It's a no-nonsense pump-action shotgun built for reliability in defensive and training scenarios, featuring an 18.5-inch barrel that keeps it legal without NFA paperwork and a Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system for versatility. As someone who's serviced everything from military-issue Benellis to budget-range pumps, I appreciate how this platform balances essential function with straightforward maintenance.
What is the Charles Daly 301 Tactical Pump used for?
This shotgun is designed for home defense, tactical training, and law enforcement qualifications where pump-action reliability matters more than semi-auto speed. The 18.5-inch barrel keeps overall length at 39 inches for maneuverability in CQB scenarios, while the 5+1 capacity (with 2¾-inch shells) provides adequate firepower without excessive weight. I'd recommend it for shooters who prioritize mechanical simplicity over fire rate—especially those running drills where manual operation builds fundamental skills.
How does the Charles Daly 301 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Charles Daly 301 is better for defensive use, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U excels at clay targets and hunting. Where the Stevens 555 uses a 30-inch barrel optimized for swing dynamics and pattern consistency at longer ranges, the Daly's 18.5-inch barrel prioritizes quick target acquisition in close quarters. The Daly's pump action also allows faster follow-up shots than a break-action O/U, but requires more manual input—choose based on whether you're defending a hallway or breaking clays.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Charles Daly 301 Tactical Pump weighs 5.8 pounds empty and measures 39 inches overall with its 18.5-inch barrel. That weight distribution—concentrated in the steel receiver and barrel—makes it feel heavier than polymer-dominated competitors like some Turkish imports, but also more stable during rapid firing. The 14-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters without modification, though those under 5'8" might find it slightly long for optimal cheek weld.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for competitive shooters needing fast semi-auto cycling or hunters requiring longer barrels for ethical range. The pump action limits practical rate of fire to about 4 rounds in 3 seconds with practice—half what a quality semi-auto can achieve. The 18.5-inch barrel also patterns noticeably tighter at 25 yards than a 28-inch hunting barrel, making it less ideal for waterfowl or upland game where extended range matters.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, one modified choke tube, and a basic owner's manual—no case, cleaning kit, or additional chokes. The modified choke patterns effectively with 00 buck and standard slugs at 25 yards, but serious users will want to add a cylinder bore choke for close-range defense ($35-$50) and a full choke for occasional trap shooting. The manual covers disassembly for basic cleaning, though it lacks the detailed torque specs I'd prefer for choke installation.
Is the Charles Daly 301 worth it at $231.99?
At $231.99, this shotgun delivers exceptional value for a reliable pump action with a stainless barrel and proven choke system. Compared to a $400 Maverick 88—another common entry—you're getting similar mechanical reliability with better choke compatibility (Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads are industry standard) and a more rigid synthetic stock. Where it falls short is finish details: the ejection port lacks the polished edges of a Mossberg, and the rail is aluminum rather than steel—but for the price, these are acceptable trade-offs.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800943734 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.294 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 8.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.15 |
| sights | Fixed Blade Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, it uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads—the same system found on shotguns costing three times as much. You can use any aftermarket Mobil choke from brands like Carlson's or Briley, though I'd avoid extended chokes as they may interfere with the sight picture.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the 39-inch overall length fits most 40-inch cases with about 1 inch to spare. For optimal protection, I recommend Plano's All Weather 42-inch case—it adds padding without excessive bulk and costs around $60 at most retailers.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Expect 5-7 business days for processing and ground shipping to most states, plus 2-3 days for FFL verification. We ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required—no PO boxes or international addresses due to ITAR restrictions.
- Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
- Yes, we offer a 30-day return window for defective products, though you must initiate a return within 72 hours of delivery. All returns require an RMA number from our support team—email [email protected] with your order number and a video of the issue.
- Does this work with Mesa Tactical side saddles?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard side saddles like the Mesa Tactical 6-shell model ($45-$60). Installation requires a #6-48 tap and proper alignment—if you're not comfortable gunsmithing, have a professional do it to avoid stripping threads.