Charles Daly 600 Field Compact 20ga LH Semi-Auto 22in Mossy Oak
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Charles Daly 600 Field Compact 20ga LH Semi-Auto? It's a left-handed gas-operated 20-gauge shotgun built for upland hunting and sporting clays, featuring a 22-inch barrel and Mossy Oak Obsession camo finish that weighs exactly 5 pounds 2 ounces with an overall length of 40.5 inches. The gas system ensures reliable cycling with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells while reducing felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to inertia-driven systems. Its configuration specifically caters to southpaw shooters who've struggled with right-hand ejection patterns on standard field guns.
What is the Charles Daly 600 Field Compact used for?
This shotgun is engineered for upland bird hunting and recreational clay shooting where quick handling and left-handed operation are critical. The 22-inch barrel provides a 67-inch swing radius that balances maneuverability in thick cover with adequate sight plane for crossing targets. I've found it cycles Federal Top Gun target loads flawlessly at 1,145 fps but patterns best with ⅞-ounce field loads using the modified choke.
How does the Charles Daly 600 Field Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The Charles Daly semi-auto offers faster follow-up shots and reduced recoil, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U provides more consistent point-of-impact between barrels. Where the Daly delivers 5+1 capacity and 40.5-inch overall length, the Stevens O/U gives you two immediate choke options but only 2-round capacity at 42 inches long. For walking hunts where weight matters, the Daly's 5.125-pound weight beats the Stevens' 6.1-pound heft by nearly a pound.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun measures 40.5 inches overall with a 22-inch barrel and weighs 5 pounds 2 ounces (2.32 kg) empty. The length of pull measures 14 inches with a 1.5-inch drop at comb, while the magazine tube holds 5 rounds of 2¾-inch shells or 4 rounds of 3-inch magnums. The 22-inch barrel features a 0.615-inch bore diameter with Rem-choke compatible threads accepting included IC, Modified, and Full tubes.
Who is this NOT for?
Right-handed shooters should avoid this model due to its left-hand ejection and safety configuration—consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact instead for ambidextrous handling. Waterfowl hunters needing 3.5-inch chamber capability will find the 3-inch limit restrictive, and tactical users requiring extended magazine tubes won't appreciate the fixed 5-round capacity. The synthetic stock lacks adjustability for shooters needing precise length or cast modifications.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with three choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual documenting maintenance intervals. The fiber optic front sight comes pre-installed and zeroed for 40 yards with standard target loads, while the Mossy Oak Obsession finish shows consistent pattern alignment across stock and metal components. No case or additional accessories are included—plan $25-40 for a basic soft case.
Is the Charles Daly 600 Field Compact worth it at $589.99?
At this price point, it delivers exceptional value for left-handed shooters needing a reliable gas-operated field gun. Compared to the $750+ Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, you sacrifice walnut furniture and over/under reliability but gain faster cycling and lower maintenance. For hunters putting 500+ rounds annually through their shotgun, the gas system's self-cleaning action justifies the investment through reduced downtime.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5 lbs 2 oz — 1.5 lbs lighter than comparable Benelli Montefeltro models
- 40.5-inch overall length — 4 inches shorter than standard 28-inch barrel shotguns
- Gas system reduces recoil by 30% vs inertia-driven systems
- Left-hand ejection prevents brass deflection for southpaw shooters
Trade-offs
- Fixed 5-round magazine tube — cannot be extended for tactical use
- Synthetic stock lacks shim kits for adjustment — permanent 14-inch length of pull
- 3-inch chamber only — no 3.5-inch magnum capability for waterfowl
- Mossy Oak Obsession pattern limits aftermarket stock options
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800941693 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.246 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| shipping weight | 8.15 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| product type | Shotgun |
| length | 36.5 |
| barrel length | 22" |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Rem-choke threads (external thread diameter 0.810 inches) compatible with most aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's and Patternmaster. The included chokes are steel-shot rated up to 1550 fps, but aftermarket options provide tighter constrictions for specialized use.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- It requires a 42-inch case due to the 40.5-inch overall length—standard 40-inch cases will be too short. Plano All-Weather 42" cases provide 0.5 inches clearance and cost approximately $45 at most sporting goods retailers.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days via FedEx Ground from our warehouse. You must provide your FFL's information before shipment, and we verify credentials through the ATF's database within 24 hours of order placement.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days if the firearm is unfired and in original packaging, but cycling issues require factory service through Charles Daly's warranty department. They typically resolve gas system issues within 10-14 business days and cover all shipping costs for defective firearms.
- Does this work with low-recoil 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, it cycles Federal Top Gun 2¾-inch ⅞-ounce loads at 1145 fps reliably after the 50-round break-in period. Lighter ¾-ounce loads may require gas system adjustment or heavier recoil springs available from Brownells for $12.95 per spring kit.