The Ultimate Guide to the Charles Daly Triple Crown 20 Gauge Shotgun: Performance, Versatility, and Craftsmanship

For discerning shooters seeking a unique blend of historical elegance and modern-day performance, the Charles Daly Triple Crown 20 Gauge shotgun stands as a testament to innovative firearm design. This remarkable three-barreled break-open shotgun, known for its exceptional attention to detail and robust construction, offers an unparalleled shooting experience for a variety of applications. If you're exploring options for a versatile field gun, a distinctive sporting companion, or simply a finely crafted piece of firearm artistry, understanding the unique attributes of the Triple Crown 20 Gauge is essential.

Why Choose a Triple Barrel Shotgun Like the Charles Daly Triple Crown?

Many experienced shooters and newcomers alike often ponder the advantages of a triple-barreled shotgun over more traditional single or double-barrel designs. The Charles Daly Triple Crown addresses this curiosity with a compelling array of benefits:

• Enhanced Firepower: The most apparent advantage is the ability to fire three consecutive shots without reloading, offering superior follow-up shot capability compared to a double barrel. This is particularly advantageous in dynamic shooting scenarios such as flushing multiple birds in upland hunting or engaging fast-moving targets.
• Versatility in Ammunition: With three independent barrels, the Triple Crown theoretically allows for the loading of different choke and/or ammunition types simultaneously, though this specific model uses a single trigger. For instance, one could load a tighter pattern for longer shots and a wider pattern for closer encounters, maximizing adaptability in the field.
• Distinctive Design and Aesthetics: Beyond practical advantages, the triple barrel configuration itself is a significant draw. It's a design that commands attention, reflecting a rich heritage of innovation in firearm manufacturing. The Charles Daly Triple Crown exudes a classic elegance that sets it apart from conventional shotguns.
• Balanced Handling: Despite having an extra barrel, the design of the Triple Crown, particularly its 26-inch barrel length and 7.60 lbs weight, is engineered for balance, ensuring comfortable handling and intuitive target acquisition.

This unique configuration makes the Charles Daly Triple Crown an intriguing choice for those who value both performance and a distinctive presence in their firearm collection.

Core Features and What They Mean for Your Shooting Experience

The Charles Daly Triple Crown 20 Gauge (MPN: 930080) is meticulously engineered with features that contribute to its reliability, user-friendliness, and overall performance. Let's delve into the specifics:

• Gauge: 20 Gauge. The 20 gauge is a highly popular and versatile choice, especially when paired with a triple barrel. It strikes an excellent balance between reduced recoil and effective stopping power.
  • Reduced Recoil: Compared to the heavier 12 gauge, the 20 gauge offers significantly less recoil, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, ideal for younger shooters or those sensitive to recoil, and perfect for light-framed hunters who carry their shotgun all day.
  • Adequate Power: Don't let the "smaller" gauge fool you; a 20 gauge, especially with modern ammunition, is more than capable for a wide array of game, including upland birds like pheasant, quail, and grouse, as well as waterfowl at reasonable ranges, and for sporting clays or skeet.
• Barrel Configuration: Triple Vent Rib Barrels (26 inches). The three 26-inch barrels are precisely aligned and feature vent ribs, which aid in heat dissipation during rapid firing and provide a clear, unobstructed sight plane, critical for precise shot placement.
  • The 26-inch length is considered a sweet spot for balance and maneuverability in the field, making it agile enough for quick swings on flushing birds yet long enough to maintain a smooth follow-through.
• Action: Break Open. This classic and robust action type is known for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of cleaning. It allows for quick visual confirmation of a clear chamber, enhancing safety, and facilitates easy loading and unloading.
• Capacity: 3+1 (3 in chambers, 1 in reserve/ready to load). While the primary function is three shots, the designation "3+1" often refers to the maximum capacity of a shotgun if designed to accept a single round directly into the chamber in addition to a magazine. For a break-open, it means three shots are ready.
• Chamber: 3-inch. This allows the use of both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shotgun shells, providing flexibility in ammunition choice for different hunting or shooting scenarios. The 3-inch magnum loads offer increased payload and range for larger game or extended distances.
• Choke System: Interchangeable Choke Tubes with Rem Choke Threads. This is a critical feature for versatility. The Charles Daly Triple Crown comes equipped with a comprehensive set of chokes: F (Full), IC (Improved Cylinder), IM (Improved Modified), M (Modified), and SK (Skeet).
  • Full (F): Delivers the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range shots, often used for geese or turkey hunting.
  • Improved Modified (IM): A slightly looser pattern than Full, offering a good compromise for medium to long ranges.
  • Modified (M): A versatile choke for general hunting, providing a balanced pattern for various distances. Often chosen for pheasants or ducks.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Spreads shot faster, excellent for close-range targets like quail, rabbit, or skeet.
  • Skeet (SK): The most open choke, designed for very close, fast-moving targets typical in skeet shooting.
  • The "Rem Choke" thread compatibility means you have access to a vast aftermarket of choke tubes, allowing for even further customization and fine-tuning of your shot patterns.
• Stock: Oiled Walnut with Checkering (Right Hand). The stock is crafted from rich oiled walnut, a premium material known for its beauty, durability, and classic feel. The oil finish allows the wood's natural grain to shine through and provides a comfortable, non-slip grip.
  • Checkering: The finely cut checkering on the forend and pistol grip ensures a secure and comfortable hold, enhancing control and safety, particularly in wet or cold conditions.
  • Right Hand: Specifically designed for right-handed shooters, the ergonomics of the stock and grip are optimized for natural mounting and comfortable shooting.
• Receiver Finish: Silver. The receiver boasts an elegant silver finish, offering a striking contrast to the blued barrels and walnut stock. This not only enhances the shotgun's aesthetic appeal but also provides an additional layer of corrosion resistance.
• Barrel Finish: Blued. The barrels feature a classic blued finish, providing excellent protection against rust and wear, while contributing to the firearm's traditional appearance.
• Sights: Fixed Fiber Optic Front. A bright fiber optic front sight ensures quick and clear target acquisition, even in low-light conditions, making it effective for fast-paced field shooting.
• Trigger: Single Trigger. A single trigger simplifies operation, allowing for faster follow-up shots without repositioning the finger. It is designed for crisp, reliable breaks.
• Safety: Thumb Safety. An easily accessible thumb safety located on the tang provides intuitive operation for safe handling in the field.
• Overall Length (OAL): 43 inches. This length contributes to the shotgun's balance and maneuverability, making it comfortable to carry and swing.
• Weight: 7.60 lbs. This weight provides a solid feel, helping to absorb recoil and maintain stability during shooting, while still being manageable for a full day in the field.

Who is the Charles Daly Triple Crown 20 Gauge For?

The Charles Daly Triple Crown 20 Gauge is an exceptional choice for a diverse range of shooting enthusiasts. This shotgun truly shines for:

• Upland Bird Hunters: Its lightweight 20-gauge platform, maneuverable 26-inch barrels, and versatile interchangeable chokes make it an ideal companion for pursuing pheasant, grouse, quail, and other upland game. The ability to quickly deliver three shots is a distinct advantage when multiple birds flush simultaneously.
• Dove Hunters: The speed and multiple shot capacity are perfectly suited for the fast-paced action of dove hunting.
• Sporting Clays and Skeet Shooters (Recreational): While perhaps not a dedicated competition gun for all disciplines due to its single trigger, its balance, comfortable recoil, and adaptable chokes make it a fun and effective option for recreational sporting clays and skeet shooting, allowing shooters to hone their skills.
• Shooters Seeking a Unique and Elegant Firearm: Beyond its practical applications, the Triple Crown's distinctive triple-barrel design and classic aesthetics appeal to collectors and those who appreciate unique, well-crafted firearms.
• Right-Handed Shooters: Specifically designed with right-hand ergonomics, ensuring comfortable and natural handling.
• Anyone Prioritizing Reduced Recoil: The 20 gauge combined with a comfortable weight makes this shotgun a pleasure to shoot, minimizing fatigue during longer sessions.

Maintaining Your Charles Daly Triple Crown

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of any firearm, and the Charles Daly Triple Crown is no exception. Given its elegant wood and metal finishes, a little care goes a long way:

• Routine Cleaning: After each use, especially after firing, thoroughly clean the barrels to remove powder residue and lead fouling. Clean the action to ensure smooth operation.
• Wood Care: The oiled walnut stock benefits from periodic re-oiling to maintain its luster and protect the wood from moisture and environmental elements. Use a dedicated gun stock oil.
• Metal Protection: Apply a thin layer of gun oil to all blued and silver metal surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion. Pay particular attention to areas exposed to moisture or handling.
• Storage: Store the shotgun in a climate-controlled environment, preferably in a padded gun case or cabinet, to protect it from dust, humidity, and accidental damage.
• Choke Tube Care: Regularly remove, clean, and lightly grease your choke tubes to prevent them from seizing in the barrel and to ensure easy interchangeability.

By following these simple guidelines, your Charles Daly Triple Crown will remain a reliable and beautiful firearm for generations to come.

The Charles Daly Legacy and Where to Find Your Triple Crown

Charles Daly has a long-standing reputation in the firearms industry for offering quality shotguns and rifles that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques. The Triple Crown embodies this commitment, providing shooters with a unique, dependable, and aesthetically pleasing firearm.

For those interested in acquiring this distinctive piece, the Charles Daly Triple Crown 20 Gauge (UPC: 053670717442) is readily available from reputable firearms dealers. For a wide selection and reliable service, consider exploring the offerings at DEGuns.com. As a trusted source for firearms and accessories, DEGuns can provide detailed product information and support to help you make an informed decision about adding the Charles Daly Triple Crown to your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shotgun Selection and Performance

• "What's the best gauge for upland hunting?" While the 12 gauge is popular, many experienced upland hunters prefer the lighter, faster-swinging 20 gauge, especially when covering many miles. The Charles Daly Triple Crown 20 Gauge is an excellent example of a high-performance upland gun.
• "How does barrel length affect a shotgun?" Shorter barrels (like 26 inches on this model) offer faster swing speeds and greater maneuverability in dense cover. Longer barrels (e.g., 28-30 inches) typically provide a smoother swing and perceived greater range for target acquisition, often preferred for trap shooting or open-field hunting.
• "Are interchangeable choke tubes really necessary?" Absolutely. Interchangeable choke tubes significantly increase a shotgun's versatility, allowing you to optimize your shot pattern for different game, distances, and shooting situations. The Rem Choke compatibility of the Charles Daly Triple Crown is a major advantage.
• "What's the benefit of a break-open action?" Break-open shotguns are renowned for their simplicity, reliability, and ease of cleaning. They are very safe, as the chamber can be easily inspected, and they are quick to load and unload single rounds.
• "Is a wood stock durable enough for field use?" Oiled walnut stocks are incredibly durable and resistant to the elements when properly cared for. They also offer a classic feel and timeless aesthetic that synthetic stocks cannot replicate. The checkering on the Charles Daly Triple Crown further enhances grip in all conditions.

Charles Daly Triple Crown 20 Gauge: Key Specifications

Feature	Specification
Brand	Charles Daly
Model	Triple Crown
Gauge	20 Gauge
Barrel Length	26 inches
Capacity	3+1 (three chambers)
Chamber	3 inches
Action	Break Open
Hand	Right Hand
Stock Material	Wood (Oiled Walnut)
Stock Finish	Oiled Walnut
Receiver Finish	Silver
Barrel Finish	Blued
Sights	Fixed Fiber Optic Front
Trigger	Single
Safety	Thumb
Weight	7.60 lbs
Overall Length	43 inches
Choke System	Rem Choke (F,IC,IM,M,SK)
Application	Field (Upland, Dove)
UPC	053670717442