Charles Daly 101 Single Shot Shotgun: The Essential Guide for Hunters, Sport Shooters, and First-Time Owners

Are you searching for a reliable, straightforward, and highly effective shotgun that won't break the bank? Do you need a firearm that’s easy to maintain, safe for new shooters, and robust enough for the field? Look no further than the Charles Daly 101 Single Shot Shotgun. This comprehensive guide will explore why the Charles Daly 101, specifically the 20-gauge model with a 28-inch barrel (MPN 930234, UPC 8053800941426), stands out as an exceptional choice for various shooting disciplines, from upland bird hunting to target practice, and as an ideal starting point for anyone entering the world of firearms.

Discovering the Charles Daly 101: Simplicity Meets Performance

The Charles Daly 101 single-barrel shotgun represents a legacy of classic firearm design, reimagined for the modern shooter who values reliability, simplicity, and efficiency. It strips away unnecessary complexities to deliver a pure, unadulterated shooting experience. This model is engineered to be dependable, shot after shot, making it a trusted companion whether you're stalking game in dense cover or perfecting your aim at the range.

For those asking, "What is the best shotgun for a beginner?" or "Which shotgun offers the most straightforward operation?", the Charles Daly 101 is often the answer. Its fundamental break-open action, combined with intuitive controls, makes it incredibly user-friendly. This design fosters safe handling habits from the outset, as the firearm is visibly open and empty until loaded for a shot, providing unparalleled peace of mind for new and experienced shooters alike.

Key Attributes of the Charles Daly 101 Single Barrel Shotgun

The Enduring Appeal of the 20 Gauge

One of the most frequently asked questions about shotguns revolves around gauge selection: "Is a 20 gauge shotgun good for hunting?" or "What are the benefits of a 20 gauge compared to a 12 gauge?" The Charles Daly 101 answers these queries with its versatile 20-gauge chambering. The 20 gauge offers a remarkable balance of power and manageable recoil, making it an excellent choice for a wide array of applications.

• Reduced Recoil: Compared to its 12-gauge counterpart, the 20 gauge produces significantly less recoil. This feature is particularly beneficial for new shooters, younger enthusiasts, or individuals sensitive to heavy recoil, allowing for more comfortable practice sessions and less fatigue during extended hunting trips.
• Effective for Diverse Game: Don't let the smaller gauge fool you; the 20 gauge is incredibly effective. It's perfectly suited for upland birds like pheasant, grouse, and quail, as well as small game such as rabbits and squirrels. With appropriate ammunition, including slugs, a 20 gauge can also be a viable option for deer hunting in certain regions.
• Optimal for Sporting Clays: For those looking to get into clay target sports, the 20 gauge offers a lighter, faster-swinging gun that can still break clays with authority. It allows shooters to focus on form and technique without being distracted by excessive kick.

Complementing its 20-gauge chamber, the Charles Daly 101 features a 3-inch chamber. This allows for the use of both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shotgun shells, providing flexibility in ammunition choice depending on the game or target and desired payload. This adaptability ensures you can select the perfect load for any scenario.

Precision Barrel Design and Choke Versatility

The 28-inch barrel of the Charles Daly 101 is a critical component contributing to its excellent performance. This barrel length is considered a versatile standard, offering a superb balance between maneuverability and effective shot patterns.

• Optimal Balance and Swing: The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth, fluid swing, which is essential for hitting moving targets, whether it's a flushing pheasant or a clay pigeon streaking across the sky. Its length helps maintain a steady sight picture, enhancing accuracy.
• Consistent Shot Patterns: Designed for consistency, the barrel ensures that your shot spreads predictably, increasing your chances of a clean hit.
• Mobile Choke Threads: A significant feature for a single-shot shotgun is the inclusion of Mobile choke threads. The Charles Daly 101 comes standard with a Modified Choke. This choke strikes a perfect balance, offering a medium shot pattern that is tight enough for effective range but broad enough to be forgiving.
  • What does a Modified Choke do? It constricts the shot column, leading to tighter patterns than an Improved Cylinder but wider than a Full choke. This makes it highly versatile for various types of hunting and clay target shooting.
  • Interchangeable Barrel System: The design also incorporates interchangeable barrels, offering potential future versatility for shooters who might wish to adapt their shotgun for different purposes with barrels of varying lengths or choke configurations, though the standard offering excels as is. This system, paired with the Mobile choke threads, signifies a commitment to adaptability and long-term utility for the owner.

Robust Construction and Classic Aesthetics

The Charles Daly 101 is built to last, employing materials and finishes that speak to both durability and traditional gun-making artistry.

• Steel Receiver and Barrel: Both the receiver and barrel are crafted from high-quality steel, ensuring exceptional strength and longevity. This robust construction is vital for absorbing the forces of firing and standing up to the rigors of field use.
• Blued Finish: The metal components are finished with a classic bluing process, providing a deep, rich black luster that not only enhances the shotgun's aesthetic appeal but also offers a protective layer against corrosion and wear. This timeless finish evokes the heritage of fine sporting arms.
• Checkered Walnut Stock: The shotgun features a beautiful checkered walnut stock with a natural walnut finish. Walnut is prized in firearms for its strength, stability, and aesthetic warmth. The checkered panels on the forend and pistol grip provide a secure, comfortable grip, even in damp conditions, ensuring confident handling and control. The "Fixed" stock type emphasizes its sturdy and traditional setup, with a comfortable Length of Pull (LOP) of 14.25 inches.

Performance and Handling: An Uncomplicated Experience

When considering a firearm, understanding its handling characteristics is paramount. The Charles Daly 101 is designed for an uncomplicated, effective shooting experience.

• Lightweight Design: Weighing in at a mere 5 pounds, this shotgun is remarkably lightweight. This makes it effortless to carry during long treks in the field, reducing fatigue and allowing you to remain agile. Its overall length (OAL) of 43.75 inches further contributes to its maneuverability in various environments.
• Intuitive Sighting: The shotgun is equipped with a simple yet highly effective brass bead front sight. This allows for quick target acquisition and natural point-shooting, which is crucial in fast-paced hunting scenarios or during dynamic clay shooting.
• Safe and Sure Operation: The single-shot, break-open action is inherently safe. Loading and unloading are straightforward processes, and the presence of a thumb safety provides an additional layer of security, allowing the shooter to quickly and confidently engage or disengage the firearm.
• Comfortable Ergonomics: With a stock drop measuring 1.25 inches at the comb and 2.38 inches at the heel, the Charles Daly 101 is designed to provide natural cheek weld and sight alignment for a comfortable shooting posture. The right-hand configuration caters to the majority of shooters, offering an ergonomic and intuitive interface. The single trigger provides a clean, consistent break, contributing to precise shot placement.

Who Benefits Most from the Charles Daly 101? (Common Use Cases)

The Charles Daly 101 is a versatile firearm that excels in several niches. Who should consider adding this reliable shotgun to their collection?

• First-Time Shooters and Beginners: This is arguably the most ideal firearm for individuals new to shooting. Its simplicity teaches fundamental safety, loading, and aiming without the complexities of multi-shot firearms. It promotes deliberate shooting and responsible gun handling.
• Upland Bird and Small Game Hunters: The 20-gauge chambering and modified choke make it an exceptional choice for hunting pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel, and other small game. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry through fields and dense brush.
• Hunters Seeking a Backup or Truck Gun: For seasoned hunters, the 101 can serve as a reliable, no-frills backup shotgun or a convenient "truck gun" for unexpected opportunities or pest control on a farm or ranch.
• Trap and Skeet Enthusiasts (Entry Level): While not a dedicated competition gun, the 101 is perfect for learning the basics of sporting clays, trap, or skeet. Its simple operation allows new shooters to focus on their swing and lead without being distracted by complex mechanics.
• Budget-Conscious Sportsmen: Offering robust construction and reliable performance at an accessible price point, the Charles Daly 101 provides exceptional value for money. It's an affordable entry into hunting and shooting sports without compromising on core functionality.
• Those Valuing Simplicity and Reliability: For shooters who appreciate the straightforward, time-tested design of a single-shot firearm, the 101 offers unparalleled reliability with fewer moving parts to malfunction.
• Collectors of Classic and Traditional Firearms: Its blued finish and walnut stock give it a timeless appearance, making it an appealing piece for collectors who appreciate traditional firearm aesthetics and functionality.

Maintaining Your Charles Daly 101: Simple Care for Lasting Performance

One of the great advantages of a single-shot break-open shotgun like the Charles Daly 101 is its ease of cleaning and maintenance. Regular care ensures longevity and consistent performance.

• Basic Cleaning After Use: After each shooting session, especially if using corrosive ammunition or in damp conditions, a thorough cleaning of the bore and breech is recommended. Use a cleaning rod, appropriate bore brush, patches, and a good quality solvent to remove powder residue and fouling.
• Lubrication: Apply a light coat of gun oil to all metal surfaces to prevent rust, particularly in humid environments. Pay attention to pivot points and the locking mechanism.
• Storage: Store your Charles Daly 101 in a safe, dry place, preferably in a gun safe or cabinet, to protect it from theft and environmental damage. Ensure it is unloaded before storage.

By following these simple steps, your Charles Daly 101 will provide many years of reliable service and enjoyment.

The Charles Daly Legacy: A Trusted Name in Firearms

Charles Daly has a long and storied history in the firearms industry, synonymous with delivering quality, functional firearms to sportsmen and enthusiasts. While the brand has evolved over time, its commitment to providing dependable firearms remains constant. The Charles Daly 101 Single Shot Shotgun continues this tradition, offering a product that embodies reliability, classic design, and practical utility. When you choose a Charles Daly firearm, available through trusted retailers like DEGuns, you are choosing a product designed to perform reliably in the field, reflecting a legacy of value and craftsmanship.

In summary, the Charles Daly 101 Single Shot Shotgun (UPC: 8053800941426, MPN: 930234) is an exemplary choice for anyone seeking a no-nonsense, dependable, and user-friendly firearm. Its 20-gauge chamber, 28-inch barrel with a Modified choke, robust steel construction, and beautiful walnut stock combine to create a shotgun that is as effective in the field as it is a joy to handle. Whether you're a first-time shooter eager to learn, a seasoned hunter seeking a versatile field companion, or simply appreciate the classic simplicity of a single-shot firearm, the Charles Daly 101 delivers proven performance and lasting value.

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Charles Daly 101 Single Shot Shotgun: Key Specifications

Feature	Specification	Detail
Brand	Charles Daly	Renowned firearms manufacturer
Model	101	Classic single-shot shotgun
Gauge	20 Gauge	Versatile, manageable recoil
Barrel Length	28 inches	Optimal for balance and swing
Chamber	3 inches	Accommodates various shell lengths
Capacity	1 Round	Single-shot reliability
Action	Break Open	Simple, safe, easy to load/unload
Stock Material	Walnut	Traditional, checkered for grip
Stock Finish	Walnut	Rich, classic brown finish
Hand	Right Hand	Ergonomically designed
Sights	Brass Bead Front	Quick target acquisition
Overall Length (OAL)	43.75 inches	Balanced and maneuverable
Length of Pull (LOP)	14.25 inches	Comfortable for most shooters
Weight	5 lbs	Lightweight for easy carrying
Barrel Material	Steel	Durable and long-lasting
Receiver Material	Steel	Robust construction
Barrel Finish	Blued	Classic, protective finish
Receiver Finish	Blued	Elegant and corrosion-resistant
Choke Configuration	Beretta / Benelli Choke	Widely compatible threading
Chokes Included	Modified	Versatile for various applications
Safety	Thumb Safety	Intuitive and secure operation
Trigger	Single Trigger	Crisp and consistent
Application	Field	Ideal for hunting and sport
SKU	134061	Product identifier
MPN	930234	Manufacturer's Part Number
UPC	8053800941426	Universal Product Code