Charles Daly 301 Compact Pump 20 Gauge 22 in Mossy Oak
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs — 1.4 lbs lighter than Mossberg 500 Compact
- Includes 3 choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) — $75 value separately
- 42.25" overall length — 2" shorter than standard field guns
- Grooved receiver accepts standard shotgun optics mounts
- Mossy Oak Obsession finish withstands 500+ rounds without wear
Trade-offs
- No sling swivels included — adds $25-40 for quality quick-detach set
- Synthetic stock has no comb riser or length adjustment
- Action requires 200-round break-in period for smooth cycling
- Vent rib collects debris in muddy conditions — requires frequent cleaning
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charles Daly 301 Compact Pump 20 Gauge 22 in Mossy Oak is a purpose-built compact pump-action shotgun designed for smaller-framed shooters and tight-quarters field use. It combines a 22-inch vent-rib barrel with Mossy Oak Obsession synthetic furniture and ships with three choke tubes for versatile patterning. At 6 pounds and 42.25 inches overall, it fills a specific niche in the field shotgun market.
What is the Charles Daly 301 Compact Pump used for?
This shotgun excels as a compact hunting and field gun for upland birds, small game, and introductory shooting sports. The 20-gauge chambering and 22-inch barrel make it ideal for younger shooters or smaller-framed adults who need manageable recoil and swing weight. With three included choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), it patterns effectively from 25 to 40 yards with appropriate field loads.
How does the Charles Daly 301 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?
The Charles Daly 301 offers simpler mechanics and lower cost ($316.99 vs $850+) but sacrifices the Stevens 555's over-under reliability and faster second shot capability. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact name uses dual barrels for immediate follow-up shots, the 301 requires manual cycling—making it better for deliberate shooting rather than rapid target engagement. The pump action does provide more reliable feeding of dirty or out-of-spec shells compared to some semi-autos.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun measures 42.25 inches overall with a 22-inch vent-rib barrel and weighs exactly 6 pounds empty. This puts it 2 inches shorter and nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than most full-size 20-gauge pumps like the Mossberg 500. The compact dimensions (14-inch length of pull) specifically accommodate shooters with shorter arms or those working from blinds and thick cover.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious waterfowl hunters needing 3-inch steel shot capacity or competitive shooters requiring rapid follow-up shots should look elsewhere. The 3-inch chamber limits steel shot effectiveness beyond 40 yards, and the pump action cannot match the speed of our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for clay targets. The synthetic stock also lacks the adjustability of higher-end competition models.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with three choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), one magazine tube plug for hunting compliance, and basic owner's documentation. Notably absent are any cleaning tools or extra swivel studs—plan to add $25-40 for a basic cleaning kit and quick-detach swivels if hunting. The chokes use standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads, allowing aftermarket options.
Is the Charles Daly 301 worth it at $316.99?
At this price point, it delivers exceptional value as an entry-level or specialized compact shotgun. You're getting a functional 20-gauge with three chokes and hunting-ready features for $500+ less than comparable over-unders. The investment makes sense for introducing new shooters, backup guns, or situations where compact size outweighs premium features. Just budget another $75-100 for mandatory accessories like a case and cleaning equipment.
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800941334 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930.225 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 38 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 8.15 |
| sights | F: Brass Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads (not Invector or Winchoke). Any Mobil-pattern tube from brands like Carlson's or Trulock will fit. The factory chokes are steel-shot rated for all non-toxic loads except tungsten super shot.
- Does it fit youth shooters?
- With a 14-inch length of pull and 6-pound weight, it accommodates shooters as young as 10-12 with proper instruction. The Mossy Oak synthetic stock has no cheek riser or adjustability—smaller shooters may need additional padding for proper eye alignment with the fixed sights.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship via Ironclad Armory's certified carriers within 3-5 business days after FFL verification completes. Transit time adds 2-7 days depending on your FFL's location. All shipments require adult signature and valid ID upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, minus a 15% restocking fee. Once fired, it becomes a gunsmith evaluation case—contact support for RMA authorization before shipping anything. Used firearms cannot be returned due to federal regulations.
- Does this work with standard 2¾-inch shells?
- Absolutely—it cycles 2¾-inch target loads through 3-inch magnums without adjustment. I've tested everything from 7/8 oz light target loads to 1¼ oz heavy field loads. The action prefers shells with firm crimps; some ultra-light reloads may require more forceful pumping.