The Charles Daly 301 Compact 20 Gauge Shotgun: Your Versatile Partner for Field and Home

Are you searching for a reliable, maneuverable, and effective shotgun that excels in diverse shooting scenarios, from the dense brush of a turkey hunt to the open fields chasing upland birds? Do you need a firearm that’s manageable for new shooters, youth, or those who prefer lighter recoil without sacrificing stopping power? Look no further than the Charles Daly 301 Compact 20 Gauge Shotgun, a meticulously crafted pump-action firearm designed for superior performance and dependability. With its distinctive Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage, ergonomic design, and comprehensive feature set, this shotgun stands out as an exceptional choice for a wide array of shooting enthusiasts.

The Charles Daly 301 Compact, identified by its MPN 930225 and UPC 8053800941334, embodies the brand's commitment to quality and functional design. This isn't just another shotgun; it's a tool engineered to instill confidence in every shot, offering a compelling blend of traditional reliability with modern aesthetics and utility.

Why Choose a 20 Gauge Shotgun? The Power and Precision of the 301 Compact

Many shooters often ask, "Is a 20 gauge powerful enough?" or "What are the advantages of a 20 gauge over a 12 gauge?" The Charles Daly 301 Compact directly addresses these questions by showcasing the inherent benefits of the 20 gauge platform. While the 12 gauge is often seen as the standard, the 20 gauge offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of recoil management and overall maneuverability.

• Reduced Recoil: For hunters embarking on long days in the field, new shooters learning the fundamentals, or individuals with a smaller stature, the lighter recoil of a 20 gauge makes shooting much more comfortable and enjoyable. This translates to quicker follow-up shots and less fatigue, enhancing both accuracy and endurance.
• Optimal Maneuverability: The Charles Daly 301 Compact weighs a mere 6 pounds, making it incredibly light and easy to carry through thick underbrush or dense timber. Its compact size, featuring a 22-inch barrel, allows for rapid target acquisition in tight spaces, which is crucial for dynamic hunting situations like flushing upland game or navigating a turkey blind.
• Sufficient Stopping Power: Don't let the "smaller" gauge fool you. A 20-gauge shotgun, especially when chambered for 3-inch shells as the 301 Compact is, delivers more than adequate power for a wide range of game, including turkey, pheasant, quail, rabbit, and squirrel. It’s also a highly effective choice for home defense, offering controlled power with less over-penetration risk compared to larger gauges, while still delivering devastating patterns.

The Charles Daly 301 Compact 20 Gauge shotgun proves that efficiency and power can coexist in a lighter, more manageable package. It empowers shooters to perform at their best, shot after shot.

Key Features of the Charles Daly 301 Compact: Engineered for Performance

Every element of the Charles Daly 301 Compact 20 Gauge shotgun is designed with the user's experience and performance in mind. From its robust construction to its thoughtful ergonomic details, this pump-action shotgun offers features typically found in higher-priced firearms.

• Robust Aluminum Receiver and Steel Barrel: The foundation of its reliability is the lightweight yet durable aluminum receiver, perfectly balanced with a strong, steel barrel. This combination ensures structural integrity and longevity, capable of withstanding the rigors of extensive field use. The receiver's Mossy Oak Obsession finish seamlessly blends with the barrel, providing a cohesive camouflage pattern.
• Mossy Oak Obsession Camouflage: The entire shotgun, including the synthetic stock and receiver, is adorned with the Mossy Oak Obsession pattern. This highly effective camouflage is specifically designed for turkey hunting and general woodland environments, utilizing realistic bark, limbs, and leaves to break up the shotgun's outline, helping you remain concealed from wary game.
• Vent Rib Barrel with Brass Bead Front Sight: The 22-inch barrel features a chrome-lined vent rib. The vent rib dissipates heat efficiently, reducing mirage effect over the barrel, which can obscure your sight picture during rapid firing. The brass bead front sight provides a clear, highly visible aiming point that is quick to acquire, even in low light conditions, enhancing accuracy for both hunting and tactical applications.
• 3-Inch Chamber Versatility: The 301 Compact boasts a 3-inch chamber, allowing it to reliably cycle both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shotgun shells. This versatility means you can tailor your ammunition choice precisely to the task at hand, whether it's lighter target loads for practice, standard game loads, or heavier magnum loads for larger birds like turkey.
• MobilChoke System with Included Chokes: A crucial aspect of shotgun versatility is the ability to adjust shot patterns. The Charles Daly 301 Compact utilizes the widely recognized MobilChoke configuration and comes complete with three essential choke tubes: Full (F), Modified (M), and Improved Cylinder (IC).
  • Full (F): Delivers the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range shots on turkey or geese.
  • Modified (M): Provides a balanced pattern, suitable for pheasant, ducks, and general upland hunting.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Offers a wider, more open pattern, excellent for close-range flushing birds like quail or dove, and optimal for spreading buckshot patterns for home defense.
  Changing choke tubes is simple and allows the shooter to optimize their shotgun for different ranges and types of game, making it a true all-rounder.
• 4+1 Capacity: With a 4-round magazine capacity plus one in the chamber, the 301 Compact provides ample firepower for most hunting scenarios without being overly cumbersome. This capacity is practical for following up on flushed game or for defensive situations.
• Right-Hand Operation with Thumb Safety and Single Trigger: Designed for right-handed shooters, the firearm features an intuitive thumb safety for secure operation and a reliable single trigger for consistent shot execution. These elements contribute to safe and confident handling.
• Compact Dimensions and Ergonomics: The 22-inch barrel and overall compact design contribute to its excellent balance and ease of handling. A comfortable length of pull (LOP) of 14.25 inches ensures that the shotgun fits a wide range of shooters, promoting proper shooting form and reducing felt recoil.

Ideal Use Cases and Shooter Profiles: Who Benefits Most from the Charles Daly 301 Compact?

The Charles Daly 301 Compact 20 Gauge shotgun is an excellent answer to various common questions posed by firearm enthusiasts:

• "What's the best shotgun for a beginner hunter or youth?" The compact size, lighter weight (6 lbs), and reduced recoil of the 20 gauge make it an ideal starting point for new shooters, allowing them to focus on fundamentals like stance, swing, and lead without being intimidated by heavy recoil. Its intuitive pump action is also excellent for teaching firearm manipulation.
• "Which shotgun is ideal for turkey hunting in dense woods?" The Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage pattern is purpose-built for turkey hunting concealment. The 22-inch barrel is perfect for maneuvering in thick brush or inside a blind, and the ability to use a Full choke with 3-inch turkey loads makes it highly effective at typical turkey ranges.
• "I need a versatile shotgun for upland bird hunting (pheasant, quail, grouse)." The light weight and compact nature make it easy to carry all day in the field. The interchangeable choke system allows you to quickly adapt to different bird sizes and shooting distances, making it perfect for varying upland scenarios.
• "What are the advantages of a 20 gauge pump-action for home defense?" For home defense, the 301 Compact offers several benefits:
  • Maneuverability: Its shorter barrel and overall length are advantageous for clearing corners and operating in confined indoor spaces.
  • Reduced Over-Penetration: While still incredibly effective, 20-gauge loads often have less potential for over-penetration through walls compared to 12-gauge, which can be a critical consideration in residential environments.
  • Reliable Pump Action: The pump action is known for its robust reliability and positive chambering, giving the user confidence in stressful situations. The distinct "rack" sound of a pump shotgun can also be a significant deterrent.
  • Capacity: The 4+1 capacity provides sufficient rounds for a defensive encounter.
• "I'm a seasoned hunter looking for a lighter, more agile alternative." Even experienced hunters who typically use 12-gauge shotguns will appreciate the reduced weight and improved handling of the 301 Compact on long treks or in challenging terrain. It offers a fresh perspective on effective hunting with less physical strain.

Performance and Handling: A Deep Dive

The Charles Daly 301 Compact is not just about features on paper; it's about real-world performance. The pump action mechanism is renowned for its reliability and simplicity. The steel action bars ensure smooth and consistent cycling of shells, even under adverse conditions. The single trigger offers a crisp pull, contributing to accurate shot placement.

Recoil management is paramount with any shotgun, and the 20 gauge platform inherently assists with this. The shotgun's synthetic stock helps to absorb some of the recoil energy, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable. The well-designed length of pull (14.25") ensures a proper shoulder mount and natural head position, which are critical for absorbing recoil effectively and maintaining a consistent sight picture. Whether you're breaking clays at the range or making a quick follow-up shot on a flushing pheasant, the 301 Compact handles like an extension of your body.

Charles Daly: A Legacy of Value and Performance

Charles Daly has a long-standing reputation in the firearms industry for providing reliable and functional firearms at an accessible price point. Their commitment to quality manufacturing and practical design has made them a trusted name among hunters and sport shooters for generations. The 301 Compact series continues this tradition, offering an excellent balance of features, performance, and value that appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the sport. When you invest in a Charles Daly firearm, you're acquiring a product backed by a legacy of delivering dependable shooting experiences.

Maintaining Your Charles Daly 301 Compact

Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity and reliable operation of any firearm. The Charles Daly 301 Compact, with its straightforward pump-action design, is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning of the barrel, receiver, and choke tubes, along with light lubrication of moving parts, will ensure your shotgun performs flawlessly for years to come. Always refer to the manufacturer's manual for specific cleaning and safety instructions. Ensure the use of appropriate cleaning solvents and lubricants for firearms.

Conclusion: Your Next Reliable Shotgun Awaits

The Charles Daly 301 Compact 20 Gauge Shotgun in Mossy Oak Obsession is more than just a firearm; it's a reliable, versatile, and comfortable partner for your outdoor adventures and home defense needs. Its compact size, light weight, manageable recoil, and adaptable choke system make it an exceptional choice for youth, new shooters, and seasoned hunters alike. Whether you're tracking turkey, flushing upland birds, or seeking a dependable home defense solution, this pump-action shotgun delivers consistent performance and exceptional value.

For those ready to experience the superior handling and effectiveness of the Charles Daly 301 Compact, it is readily available for purchase at DEGuns. Discover the confidence that comes with owning a shotgun built for the field and designed to meet the demands of real-world shooting scenarios.

Charles Daly 301 Compact 20 Gauge Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Charles Daly
Model	301 Compact
Gauge	20 Gauge
Action	Pump
Capacity	4+1 (4 Rounds)
Barrel Length	22 Inches
Chamber	3 Inches
Barrel Finish	Mossy Oak Obsession
Receiver Finish	Mossy Oak Obsession
Stock Finish	Mossy Oak Obsession
Stock Material	Synthetic
Sights	Brass Bead Front
Choke System	MobilChoke
Chokes Included	Full (F), Modified (M), Improved Cylinder (IC)
Hand	Right Hand
Trigger	Single
Safety	Thumb
Length of Pull	14.25 Inches
Weight	6 lbs
Application	Field
UPC	8053800941334
MPN	930225
SKU	120436