The Charles Daly 301 Field 20 Gauge: Your Essential Partner for the Outdoors

For those seeking a reliable and versatile shotgun that excels in a multitude of shooting disciplines, the Charles Daly 301 Field pump-action 20 Gauge stands out as an exceptional choice. Engineered for unwavering performance and built with durable materials, this shotgun is specifically designed to meet the demands of hunters, sport shooters, and those looking for a dependable firearm for general field use or even home security. Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of shotguns, the 301 Field offers a blend of classic design, modern functionality, and consistent reliability that makes it an indispensable tool.

Unwavering Reliability: The Core of the Charles Daly 301 Field

At the heart of the Charles Daly 301 Field’s appeal is its pump-action mechanism, a design renowned globally for its inherent reliability and robust nature. Unlike semi-automatic firearms that rely on gas or recoil systems, the pump-action operates directly from the shooter’s physical action, ensuring positive feeding and extraction of shells under virtually any condition. This mechanical simplicity minimizes potential points of failure, making the 301 Field a true workhorse you can depend on, whether you’re facing challenging weather in the field or requiring immediate, consistent operation.

The construction further reinforces this commitment to durability. The shotgun features a lightweight yet robust aluminum receiver, meticulously paired with a sturdy steel barrel. This combination provides the perfect balance of portability for extended periods in the field and the structural integrity needed to withstand thousands of rounds. The blued finish on the barrel not only offers a classic aesthetic but also provides an additional layer of protection against the elements, resisting corrosion and wear.

Why the 20 Gauge is the Smart Choice for Versatility and Comfort

The selection of the 20 Gauge for the Charles Daly 301 Field is a thoughtful decision that offers significant advantages, especially for a broad spectrum of shooters:

• Manageable Recoil: The 20 gauge produces significantly less recoil than its 12 gauge counterpart. This translates to a more comfortable shooting experience, allowing for longer sessions at the range or more rapid follow-up shots in the field without excessive shoulder fatigue. This feature makes it an ideal firearm for new shooters, youth, or individuals who are sensitive to recoil.
• Lighter Weight and Improved Handling: At a mere 6.35 lbs, the 301 Field 20 Gauge is remarkably light. This reduced weight is a huge benefit for hunters who trek through dense brush or across vast fields, minimizing fatigue over hours of carry. Its lighter profile also contributes to quicker target acquisition and more agile handling, especially when tracking fast-moving game.
• Effective Performance: Don't let the "smaller" gauge fool you; the 20 gauge is incredibly effective for a wide range of applications. It delivers ample power and pattern density for popular game like pheasant, quail, grouse, dove, rabbit, and squirrel.
• 3-Inch Chamber Versatility: The 3-inch chamber allows the use of a variety of ammunition types, from standard 2 ¾-inch field loads to more powerful 3-inch magnum loads, providing flexibility for different hunting scenarios and target shooting disciplines.

Precision and Adaptability: Barrel, Sights, and Win Choke System

Accuracy and the ability to adapt to varying shooting conditions are paramount for any field shotgun, and the Charles Daly 301 Field delivers on these fronts:

• 26-inch Blued Barrel: This barrel length strikes an excellent balance. It’s long enough to provide a sufficient sight radius for accurate shooting and achieve optimal velocity for most loads, yet short enough to remain maneuverable in thick cover or tight blinds. The classic blued finish not only looks good but also provides a durable, non-reflective surface.
• Vent Rib Design: The barrel features a vent rib, a critical component for consistent aiming. The elevated rib helps dissipate heat during extended shooting, preventing mirage distortions. More importantly, it provides a clear, flat sighting plane that naturally guides your eye down the barrel to the brass bead front sight, aiding in rapid target alignment and shot placement.
• Brass Bead Front Sight: Simple, effective, and highly visible, the brass bead front sight provides a distinct aiming point, allowing for quick target acquisition even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Win Choke Configuration (F, M, IC Included): This is where the Charles Daly 301 Field truly shines in terms of adaptability. The shotgun comes equipped with three interchangeable Win Choke tubes:
  • Full (F): Delivers the tightest pattern, ideal for longer shots on stationary targets or for certain waterfowl and turkey hunting where maximum range and density are required.
  • Modified (M): A versatile middle-ground choke, providing a balance of pattern density and spread. Excellent for general field hunting, sporting clays, and a wide variety of game.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Offers a wider, more open pattern, perfect for close-range shots on fast-flushing upland birds, skeet shooting, or situations where a quick, broad pattern is advantageous.
  Changing choke tubes allows you to optimize your shot pattern for the specific game or shooting discipline, significantly enhancing your success rate.

Ergonomics and Classic Aesthetics: The Gloss Wood Stock

The Charles Daly 301 Field’s appeal is further enhanced by its beautiful gloss wood stock. Beyond its classic and appealing appearance, the wood stock provides a comfortable and natural feel, promoting a secure grip and stable shooting platform.

• Right-Hand Configuration: Designed specifically for right-handed shooters, the stock dimensions and controls are ergonomically positioned for intuitive operation.
• Thoughtful Dimensions:
  • Overall Length (OAL) of 46.13 inches: Contributes to the shotgun's balanced feel and ease of handling.
  • Length of Pull (LOP) of 14.25 inches: This measurement is crucial for comfortable shouldering and consistent aiming. A proper LOP helps absorb recoil efficiently and ensures natural eye alignment with the sights.
  • Drop at Comb of 1.38 inches and Drop at Heel of 2 inches: These specifications determine how the shooter's cheek rests on the stock and how the eye aligns with the barrel, optimizing the sight picture for intuitive shooting.
  The combination of these ergonomic details with the shotgun's light weight (6.35 lbs) makes for a firearm that is pleasant to carry all day and comfortable to shoot, even through multiple boxes of shells.

User-Friendly Features and Safety

The Charles Daly 301 Field is designed with the shooter in mind, incorporating features that make it safe and straightforward to operate:

• 4+1 Capacity: This practical capacity means the shotgun can hold four shells in the magazine tube and one in the chamber, providing ample firepower for hunting scenarios while adhering to common regulations.
• Thumb Safety: Located conveniently and intuitively, the thumb safety allows for quick and positive engagement or disengagement, ensuring the firearm is secure until you are ready to shoot.
• Single Trigger: A simple and reliable single trigger mechanism provides a consistent pull, contributing to accuracy.

Real-World Applications: Where the Charles Daly 301 Field Excels

The Charles Daly 301 Field 20 Gauge is a true multi-purpose shotgun, highly adaptable to various scenarios:

• For the Upland Bird Hunter: This shotgun is a dream come true for pursuing pheasant, quail, grouse, chukar, and doves. Its light weight makes it easy to carry over miles of terrain, and its quick-handling nature allows for rapid swings on flushing birds. The interchangeable chokes mean you can optimize your pattern for open fields or dense cover.
• Small Game Hunting: Whether you’re after rabbits or squirrels, the 20 gauge offers plenty of power and accuracy, making it an excellent choice for varmint and small game pursuits.
• An Ideal Starter Shotgun for Sport Shooting: If you’re considering getting into skeet, trap, or sporting clays, the 301 Field 20 Gauge is an outstanding entry point. Its reduced recoil is a major advantage for new shooters learning proper form and technique, allowing them to focus on the fundamentals without being deterred by heavy recoil. It’s a durable platform that will provide years of enjoyment on the range.
• Youth and New Shooters: For younger shooters or adults new to firearms, the lighter weight and significantly reduced recoil of the 20 gauge compared to a 12 gauge make the learning process much more enjoyable and effective. Its straightforward pump-action operation also simplifies the learning curve.
• Dependable Home Security: While primarily a field gun, the 301 Field's inherent reliability, simple operation, and readily available ammunition make it a viable option for home defense. Its compact size compared to some tactical models can also be an advantage in close quarters.

Maintaining Your Charles Daly 301 Field

Like any precision tool, the Charles Daly 301 Field will benefit from routine cleaning and maintenance. Its simple pump-action design makes disassembly for cleaning relatively straightforward. Regularly cleaning the barrel, action, and lubricating moving parts will ensure its longevity and consistent, reliable performance for many years to come. Always refer to the owner's manual for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Choose the Charles Daly 301 Field for Uncompromised Value

The Charles Daly 301 Field 20 Gauge pump-action shotgun embodies reliability, versatility, and classic design. It’s a firearm that works tirelessly, adapting to your needs whether you’re hunting upland birds, honing your skills at the trap range, or seeking a dependable option for home protection. Its user-friendly features, manageable recoil, and robust construction make it an intelligent investment for any shooter. When you're ready to experience the proven performance of this exceptional firearm, the Charles Daly 301 Field is available at DEGuns, offering a combination of quality, reliability, and value that is hard to beat.

Charles Daly 301 Field 20 Gauge Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Charles Daly
Model	301
Gauge	20 Gauge
Capacity	4+1
Action	Pump
Chamber	3"
Barrel Length	26"
Barrel Finish	Blued
Barrel Desc.	Vent Rib
Receiver Mat.	Aluminum
Receiver Fin.	Black Anodized
Stock Material	Wood
Stock Finish	Gloss Wood
Stock Group	Brown
Sights	Brass Bead Front
Choke Config.	Win Choke
Chokes Incl.	F, M, IC
Safety	Thumb
Trigger	Single
Hand	Right Hand
Size	Full Size
Application	Field
OAL	46.13"
Length of Pull	14.25"
Drop	1.38" @ Comb & 2" @ Heel
Weight	6.35 lbs
UPC	8053800941051