The Charles Daly 301 12 Gauge 18.5 in FDE 5+1 is a tactical pump-action shotgun built for shooters who demand reliability without the premium price tag. It pairs an aluminum receiver and heat-shielded barrel with a flat dark earth synthetic fixed pistol-grip stock, delivering a rugged, low-glare platform ready for home defense or range work. Threaded for Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes, it ships with Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes, giving you flexibility from steel shot to buckshot. With a fiber-optic front sight and ghost-ring rear on a Picatinny rail, this 12-gauge lands hits fast.
| Manufacturer | Charles Daly (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | 301 Tactical |
| Material | Aluminum receiver, steel barrel, synthetic polymer stock and forend |
| Compatibility | Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes; 3-inch 12-gauge shells |
| Finish | Flat Dark Earth (FDE) synthetic with black heat shield |
| Weight | Approximately 6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 18.5-inch Heat-Shielded Barrel — WHY IT MATTERS: The steel heat shield protects your hand during rapid strings of fire, while the 18.5-inch length keeps the gun maneuverable in tight spaces like hallways or vehicle storage.
- Fiber-Optic Front and Ghost-Ring Rear Sights — WHY IT MATTERS: The high-visibility fiber-optic front draws your eye in low light, and the ghost-ring rear offers a fast sight picture for instinctive shooting, critical under stress.
- Receiver-Mounted Picatinny Rail — WHY IT MATTERS: You can mount red dots, lasers, or other optics without gunsmithing, adapting the 301 to your preferred sighting system in minutes.
- Threaded for Beretta/Benelli Mobil Choke Tubes — WHY IT MATTERS: Swap between the included Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes to tune pattern density for home defense, slugs, or clay targets, all from one gun.
- Fixed Pistol-Grip Stock with Manual Thumb Safety — WHY IT MATTERS: The pistol grip provides a more vertical wrist angle for recoil control, and the thumb safety is ambidextrous-friendly, letting you keep the gun on safe until you’re ready.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for the tech-savvy shooter who wants a modern pump-action with upgrade potential. If you’re building a home-defense kit or a budget-friendly truck gun, the Charles Daly 301 12 Gauge 18.5 in FDE 5+1 gives you a Picatinny rail and choke system usually found on higher-priced models. It’s also a solid pick for new shooters who want a reliable 12-gauge without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Lightweight aluminum receiver keeps weight under 7 lbs, reducing fatigue during extended range sessions.
- Pro: Three included choke tubes let you tailor patterns for different loads without buying extras.
- Con: The fixed pistol-grip stock isn’t adjustable for length of pull, so taller shooters may find the fit snug.
Comparison
| Feature | Charles Daly 301 Tactical | Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo | Remington 870 Express Tactical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choke System | Beretta/Benelli Mobil (3 chokes included) | Fixed cylinder bore (security barrel) | Fixed cylinder bore (tactical barrel) |
| Receiver Material | Aluminum | Steel | Steel |
| Stock | Fixed pistol grip, FDE synthetic | Conventional synthetic with adjustable LOP | Speedfeed synthetic with pistol grip |
| Optics Ready | Yes, Picatinny rail | No (drill and tap required) | No (drill and tap required) |
| Price | $263.01 | ~$450 | ~$500 |
FAQ
What is the capacity of the Charles Daly 301 12 Gauge 18.5 in FDE 5+1?
The shotgun holds 5 rounds in the tube magazine plus 1 in the chamber, for a total capacity of 6 rounds of 2.75-inch or 3-inch shells.
Does the Charles Daly 301 accept aftermarket stocks?
Yes, the receiver uses a standard cross-bolt design, but the stock is fixed. Aftermarket stocks from brands like ATI or Hogue may require fitting. Per manufacturer specs, the stock is not user-swappable without gunsmithing.
Can I use steel shot with this shotgun?
Yes. The barrel is threaded for Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes, and the included Improved Cylinder choke is safe for steel shot. Use Modified or Full for lead only.
Is the Picatinny rail removable?
Yes, the rail is mounted to the receiver with screws. You can remove it to install a different optic mount or run iron sights only.
Why Buy from Us
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Over 60% of pump-action shotgun buyers in 2025 chose models with optics-ready receivers, according to NSSF data. The Charles Daly 301 12 Gauge 18.5 in FDE 5+1 delivers that capability at under $270, making it a smart buy for early adopters who want to mod their scattergun. Shop all pump-action shotguns or check out our shotgun choke tubes for more options.
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.