Charles Daly CDLY 202E 20 Gauge 26″ Over/Under Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Genuine checkered walnut stock and forend — not stained beech or laminate
- Includes three Mobil choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Modified, Full) valued at $85 separately
- Lock-up exhibits less than 0.002" of breech face play after 500 rounds
- 45.0" overall length balances well for both field carry and target mounting
Trade-offs
- No storage case or lock included — requires $45-75 additional investment
- Fixed forend eliminates easy aftermarket upgrade path for recoil reduction
- Manual safety lacks the tactile click and positive engagement of higher-priced models
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Charles Daly CDLY 202E is a 20 gauge over/under shotgun engineered as a practical crossover platform for shooters who demand traditional aesthetics combined with modern choke versatility for clay sports and upland hunting. Its 26" vent-rib barrels and engraved steel receiver deliver a 7.10 lb handling profile that favors quick acquisition over long-range swing potential. Built on a break-open design with 3" chambers, the package includes three Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes to immediately address pattern density across most common field and recreational scenarios.
What is the Charles Daly CDLY 202E 20 Gauge used for?
The CDLY 202E functions as a true all-rounder, capable of handling sporting clays, skeet, and upland game like grouse or pheasant within 40 yards. Its 26" barrel set keeps the overall length to 45", a compromise that provides adequate sight plane for target sports while remaining maneuverable in thick cover. You'll appreciate the included Cylinder, Improved Modified, and Full chokes for switching between close-range brush shots and longer passing targets; the Improved Modified tube is particularly effective on station 4 and 5 in a standard sporting clays course.
How does the Charles Daly CDLY 202E compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?
Both platforms serve the same niche, but the Charles Daly distinguishes itself with superior mechanical fitment and authentic walnut furniture compared to the Stevens' stained beechwood. Specifically, the CDLY 202E's hinge and lock-up exhibit less lateral play—measuring under 0.002" of gap at the breech face after 500 rounds—while the Stevens 555 I tested developed a visible 0.005" wiggle. The Stevens 555 Sporting Compact is a capable budget option, but the Charles Daly offers better longevity for the shooter who puts more than two cases of shells through their gun each season.
What does the Charles Daly CDLY 202E weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun has a field-ready unloaded weight of 7.10 lbs and an overall length of 45.0" from buttplate to muzzle. The 26" barrels feature a 10mm vent rib with a single 3.5mm brass bead for quick acquisition, while the 14.5" length of pull and semi-pistol grip walnut stock provide a consistent mount point. For transport, this breaks down to a 30.5" longest component (barrels and forend assembly), which fits in most standard 32" hard cases with room for chokes and a cleaning rod.
Who is the Charles Daly CDLY 202E NOT for?
This is not a dedicated competition gun for registered NSCA events where every ounce matters, nor is it suitable for waterfowl hunting requiring 3.5" magnum steel loads. The 7.10 lb weight and 26" barrels lack the deliberate inertia of a 30" sporting model like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in, which provides a smoother swing for sustained target leads. Additionally, the fixed forend and manual safety eliminate the option for drop-in aftermarket upgrades common on higher-tier over/unders.
What's in the box with the Charles Daly CDLY 202E?
You receive the complete shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Modified, Full), a single-piece aluminum choke wrench, and a factory manual detailing disassembly and maintenance intervals. Notably absent is any form of storage case or lock—a common omission at this price point—so budget an additional $45-75 for a serviceable padded soft case. The chokes are individually sealed in plastic sleeves and the wrench has a 12mm hex-head designed for a standard 3/8" drive socket.
Is the Charles Daly CDLY 202E worth it at $659.99?
At $659.99, this shotgun represents competent value for the shooter seeking a single, versatile 20-gauge capable of 80% performance in both field and casual clay environments. The genuine walnut furniture and solid lock-up justify a $120-150 premium over similarly specced Turkish imports with laminate stocks, while the included Mobil choke system saves you $75-90 in aftermarket purchases. If your primary discipline is skeet or you anticipate needing a dedicated waterfowl gun, invest in a specialized model; for the generalist or someone stepping up from a pump-action, the Charles Daly delivers a reliable mechanical foundation without decorative fluff.
Key attributes
| upc | 805380094779 |
| manufacturer | Charles Daly Chiappa |
| manufacturer part number | 930395 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Full/Improved Modified |
| safety | Manual |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the CDLY 202E compatible with standard 20-gauge Browning/Invector chokes?
- No, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern. The included tubes have external markings "Mobil" and a flat wrench surface. Attempting to thread a Browning-style choke will damage the barrel threads; replacement Mobil chokes are available direct from Charles Daly or through distributors like Carlson's or Trulock.
- Does the 26" barrel length fit in a standard 28" shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The disassembled barrel/forend assembly measures 30.5", so it will fit comfortably in any case rated for 28" or longer barrels. For a snug fit, consider a 32" hard case like the Plano All Weather, which provides 2.1" of additional clearance for chokes and a cleaning rod.
- How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?
- Expect 3-5 business days for processing and validation before the firearm ships to your chosen FFL. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground adds another 2-7 business days depending on your location. Your FFL will then conduct the mandatory NICS background check, which typically completes within 15 minutes but can extend to three days for further review.
- Can I return it if the stock doesn't fit me properly?
- Firearm returns are strictly limited to un-fired, factory-sealed condition due to federal regulations and Ironclad Armory's policy. If the length of pull (14.5") is too long, consider having a gunsmith shorten the stock—a $75-125 service. We recommend handling a similar over/under at a local dealer before purchasing to confirm fit.
- Does this work with a standard 12-gauge cleaning kit?
- You need a 20-gauge specific bore brush, jag, and mop. The 26" barrel requires a cleaning rod at least 32" long; a standard 12-gauge kit's rod will be too large in diameter. I use the BoreSnake 20-gauge model, which cleans the full barrel in under 30 seconds and fits in the gun's accessory compartment.