The Charles Daly 101 .410 Gauge Shotgun: A Comprehensive Guide for Shooters

Are you searching for an ideal entry-level shotgun? Perhaps you’re a seasoned hunter looking for a lightweight, versatile .410, or a parent seeking a safe, manageable firearm for a young, aspiring shooter. The Charles Daly 101 Single Barrel .410 Gauge shotgun (UPC: 8053800941440) stands out as an excellent choice, offering a blend of simplicity, reliability, and traditional aesthetics. This detailed guide explores why the Charles Daly 101 is a top recommendation for various shooting disciplines, from small game hunting to recreational target practice.

Why Choose a .410 Gauge Shotgun?

The .410 bore is often misunderstood, but it possesses unique advantages that make it perfect for specific applications. Often considered the smallest practical shotgun gauge, the .410 delivers a unique shooting experience.

Common Questions Answered About the .410 Gauge:

• Is the .410 suitable for beginners? Absolutely. Its lighter recoil makes it less intimidating for new shooters, allowing them to focus on fundamental skills like stance, sight picture, and trigger control without the flinch often associated with larger gauges.
• What can I hunt with a .410? The .410 is highly effective for small game such as squirrels, rabbits, doves, and other birds. With appropriate ammunition, it can even be used for turkeys at close ranges. Its modest payload requires precise shot placement, which helps hone a hunter's skills.
• Is the .410 effective for pest control? Yes, for close-range pest control against rodents or nuisance birds, the .410 can be a practical and often quieter alternative to larger firearms.
• Can I use a .410 for skeet or trap shooting? While more challenging than with a 12 or 20 gauge, many experienced shooters enjoy the added difficulty and satisfaction of breaking clay targets with a .410. It’s an excellent way to refine your lead and timing.

The Charles Daly 101 chambered in .410 Gauge (specifically a 3-inch chamber) provides the versatility to use both 2.5-inch and 3-inch shells, maximizing its utility for different loads and purposes. This flexibility ensures you can tailor your ammunition choice to the specific demands of your activity, whether it's light target loads or heavier hunting shells.

Unpacking the Charles Daly 101: Key Features and Benefits

The Charles Daly 101 is engineered for straightforward, dependable performance. Its single-barrel, break-open design embodies simplicity, making it incredibly user-friendly and easy to maintain.

Core Design Elements and Their Advantages:

• Single Barrel, Break Open Action:
  • Simplicity and Safety: The break-open design means the action is always open when loading or unloading, providing an immediate visual indication of its status. This inherent safety feature is invaluable, especially for new shooters learning firearm etiquette.
  • Reliability: With fewer moving parts than semi-automatic or pump-action shotguns, the break-open action is remarkably reliable and less prone to malfunctions.
  • Ease of Cleaning: The open action allows for quick and thorough cleaning of the bore and chamber, extending the firearm's lifespan and maintaining its performance.
  • Lightweight Design: This action type contributes significantly to the shotgun's overall light weight, making it comfortable to carry afield for extended periods.
• 26-Inch Blued Barrel:
  • Optimal Balance: A 26-inch barrel strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability in dense cover and sufficient sight radius for accurate aiming. It’s long enough to provide a good swing for moving targets yet compact enough for easy handling.
  • Classic Aesthetic & Durability: The blued finish provides a traditional, appealing look while offering robust protection against corrosion and wear, ensuring the barrel remains pristine even after years of use. Made from steel, the barrel is designed for longevity and consistent performance.
• Steel Receiver with Blued Finish:
  • Robust Construction: The receiver, the heart of any firearm, is crafted from steel, providing exceptional strength and durability. This ensures the shotgun can withstand the rigors of regular use and last for generations.
  • Harmonious Design: The blued finish on the receiver perfectly matches the barrel, creating a cohesive and classic appearance that discerning shooters appreciate.
• Recessed Walnut Stock:
  • Timeless Beauty: Walnut wood stocks are prized for their rich grain patterns and classic appearance. The Charles Daly 101 features a beautiful walnut stock that offers a traditional feel and superior ergonomics.
  • Comfortable Handling: Wood stocks naturally absorb some recoil, contributing to a more comfortable shooting experience, especially for lighter .410 loads. The "Full Size" configuration ensures a solid grip and stable shooting platform for right-handed shooters.
  • Enhanced Grip: The natural texture of the wood, combined with the stock's design, provides a secure and comfortable grip, aiding in control and accuracy.
• Mobile Choke Threads & Included Modified Choke:
  • Versatility in Patterning: The inclusion of Mobile choke threads means you can easily swap out choke tubes to adjust the shot pattern. This is a crucial feature that enhances the shotgun's versatility across different shooting scenarios.
  • The Modified Choke: The Charles Daly 101 comes standard with a Modified choke. This choke type is considered highly versatile, offering a balance between a wide-open pattern for close-range shots (like flushing game birds) and a tighter pattern for more distant targets. It's often recommended as a good all-around choke for various hunting and clay shooting applications. The choke configuration is compatible with Beretta/Benelli choke systems, making it easy to find additional chokes if needed.
• Brass Bead Front Sight:
  • Simple & Effective Aiming: A traditional brass bead front sight provides a clear, uncluttered sight picture, ideal for quick target acquisition typical in shotgunning where instinctive pointing is key. Its simplicity ensures reliability and minimal distraction.

Designed for Comfort and Performance

Beyond its core features, the Charles Daly 101 boasts specifications that enhance its usability and shooting comfort.

• Overall Length (OAL): At 41.75 inches, the shotgun is compact enough for easy maneuverability in the field or in a shooting blind, yet long enough to provide a stable swing for moving targets.
• Weight: Weighing in at a mere 5 pounds, the Charles Daly 101 is exceptionally lightweight. This significantly reduces fatigue during extended carrying, making it an ideal companion for long hunts or a comfortable option for smaller-framed shooters.
• Length of Pull (LOP): A standard 14.25-inch length of pull accommodates most adult and older youth shooters comfortably, promoting proper shooting form and reducing perceived recoil.
• Drop at Comb & Heel: With a drop of 1.25 inches at the comb and 2.38 inches at the heel, the stock is designed to naturally align your eye with the bead sight, ensuring consistent sight acquisition.
• Thumb Safety: The easily accessible thumb safety provides an intuitive and reliable mechanism for securing the firearm when not ready to fire.
• Single Trigger: The single trigger mechanism offers a straightforward and dependable firing experience, eliminating any confusion.

Who is the Charles Daly 101 For?

The Charles Daly 101 is a versatile firearm, making it suitable for a diverse range of individuals and activities:

1. New Shooters & Youth: Its lightweight design, minimal recoil, and straightforward break-action operation make it an excellent choice for learning the fundamentals of shooting safely and effectively. The simplicity reduces complexity and allows for focused instruction.
2. Small Game Hunters: For pursuits like squirrel, rabbit, dove, or quail hunting, the .410 gauge offers a sporting challenge and an effective tool, especially when combined with the precise patterning offered by the Mobile choke system.
3. Experienced Shooters Seeking a Challenge: Many seasoned shotgunners enjoy the precision required to consistently hit targets with a .410, finding it adds an extra layer of satisfaction to their shooting experience.
4. Recreational & Utility Users: For general target practice, pest control, or as a reliable farm or ranch utility firearm, its durability and low maintenance make it a practical choice.
5. Collectors of Classic Firearms: The traditional blued finish and walnut stock appeal to those who appreciate classic firearm aesthetics and simple, proven designs.

Care and Maintenance for Your Charles Daly 101

Maintaining your Charles Daly 101 is simple, ensuring its longevity and reliable performance for years to come.

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially if exposed to moisture or dirt, clean the bore, chamber, and receiver. Use appropriate cleaning solvents, brushes, and patches. The break-open action makes this process exceptionally easy.
• Lubrication: Apply a light coat of gun oil to all moving parts and exterior metal surfaces to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
• Proper Storage: Store your shotgun unloaded in a safe, dry place, ideally in a gun safe or secure cabinet, to protect it from theft, unauthorized access, and environmental damage.

Why Purchase from DEGuns?

When considering a firearms purchase, choosing a reputable dealer is paramount. DEGuns offers a seamless shopping experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction. As a leading retailer, DEGuns provides a wide selection of firearms, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable staff to assist with your needs. The Charles Daly 101 is readily available at DEGuns, ensuring you can acquire this excellent shotgun with confidence and convenience. Explore the full range of Charles Daly products and find the perfect firearm for your shooting endeavors at DEGuns.com.

Charles Daly 101 .410 Gauge Shotgun Specifications

Feature	Detail	Attribute Type
Model Name	101	Product Series
Gauge	.410 Gauge	Ammunition Type
Capacity	1 Round	Magazine Capacity
Chamber	3"	Shell Compatibility
Barrel Length	26"	Firearm Dimension
Barrel Material	Steel	Construction Material
Barrel Finish	Blued	Surface Treatment
Receiver Material	Steel	Construction Material
Receiver Finish	Blued	Surface Treatment
Stock Material	Walnut Wood	Construction Material
Stock Finish	Walnut	Surface Treatment
Hand Orientation	Right Hand	User Ergonomics
Action Type	Break Open	Operating Mechanism
Trigger Type	Single	Firing Mechanism
Sights	Brass Bead Front	Aiming System
Choke System	Beretta / Benelli Choke	Choke Compatibility
Chokes Included	Modified	Included Accessory
Overall Length (OAL)	41.75"	Firearm Dimension
Weight	5 lbs	Physical Weight
Length of Pull	14.25"	Stock Dimension
Drop @ Comb	1.25"	Stock Dimension
Drop @ Heel	2.38"	Stock Dimension
Safety Type	Thumb	Safety Mechanism
Application	Field	Intended Use
SKU	120446	Product Identifier
MPN	930236	Manufacturer Part No.
UPC	8053800941440	Universal Product Code