The Charles Daly 202A 20 Gauge 26″ Over/Under Compact is a purpose-built scattergun for upland hunters and entry-level clay shooters who want a lightweight, fast-swinging shotgun without the premium price tag. With a fixed walnut stock, engraved aluminum receiver, and a single selective trigger, this 20-gauge O/U brings old-school aesthetics to modern field use. Chambered for 3-inch shells and fitted with a vent-rib barrel, it’s ready for dove fields, pheasant flushes, and sporting clays right out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Charles Daly |
|---|---|
| Model | 202A Compact |
| Material | Aluminum receiver, checkered walnut stock, steel barrels |
| Compatibility | 20 Gauge 3-inch shells, standard 20-gauge chokes (not included) |
| Finish | Blued barrels, silver-anodized receiver |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Compact 26″ Vent-Rib Barrel Setup — Why it matters: Shorter barrels mean faster target acquisition in thick cover and a more maneuverable platform for smaller-framed shooters. The vent rib reduces mirage and improves sight picture on bright days.
- Fixed Checkered Walnut Field Stock — Why it matters: Traditional ergonomics with a high-quality wood finish that absorbs recoil better than synthetic stocks. The checkering provides a positive grip even with wet or gloved hands.
- Single Selective Trigger — Why it matters: Fire either barrel first with a simple selector switch, eliminating the need to manually switch triggers between shots. This speeds up follow-up pairs on clays or flushed birds.
- Engraved Aluminum Receiver — Why it matters: Keeps weight low (6.2 lbs) without sacrificing durability, while the engraved detailing gives the gun a classic field-gun look that stands out at the range or in the field.
- 3-Inch Chamber Capacity — Why it matters: Accepts both 2.75-inch target loads and 3-inch magnum hunting shells, giving you one gun for practice and the field without needing a second shotgun.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for the tech-savvy early adopter who wants a lightweight over/under for upland hunting and recreational clay shooting. It’s ideal for smaller-statured shooters, women, and youth transitioning from a single-shot or pump-action. If you appreciate traditional styling but want modern reliability at a sub-$600 price point, the 202A Compact is a solid pick.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Lightweight 6.2 lb build, single selective trigger for fast barrel selection, 3-inch chamber versatility, affordable entry into O/U shotguns, classic walnut stock with decent checkering.
- Cons: Fixed chokes (no interchangeable choke tubes) limit load flexibility; the aluminum receiver may show wear faster than steel on high-volume clays guns. Per Charles Daly specs, the 202A uses fixed modified/improved cylinder chokes, which work well for field use but aren’t ideal for dedicated trap shooters.
Comparison
| Feature | Charles Daly 202A Compact | Stoeger Condor Field | Mossberg Silver Reserve II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge | 20 Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 26″ | 26″ | 28″ |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs | 6.5 lbs | 6.8 lbs |
| Chamber | 3″ | 3″ | 3″ |
| Stock | Checkered walnut | Walnut (plain) | Checkered walnut |
| Choke System | Fixed (M/IC) | Fixed (M/IC) | Interchangeable |
| Price | $521.26 | ~$550 | ~$700 |
FAQ
Is the Charles Daly 202A 20 Gauge 26″ Over/Under Compact suitable for left-handed shooters?
Yes, the single selective trigger and tang safety are ambidextrous by design. While the stock isn’t cast-off for lefties, the straight grip and neutral comb work for both shoulders in field use.
Can I use steel shot in this shotgun?
Per Charles Daly specs, the 202A’s fixed chokes are not rated for steel shot in the modified choke. Stick with lead or bismuth loads for best barrel life. The improved cylinder choke may be okay with steel, but always check your choke markings.
What chokes are included with the Charles Daly 202A Compact?
No choke tubes are included. The 202A Compact comes with fixed, non-removable chokes — typically improved cylinder in the bottom barrel and modified in the top barrel.
Does this shotgun come with a hard case?
No, the Charles Daly 202A ships in a cardboard box with basic owner’s manual. A soft or hard case is not included, so plan to buy one separately for transport and storage.
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✔ Ships 1-2 business days
✔ 30-day returns
✔ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
Browse more Over Under Shotguns or check our 20 Gauge Shotguns and Compact Shotguns.
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