The Charles Daly 301 Pump Shotgun 12ga 4rd 28″ Barrel Woodlands Camo/FDE is a reliable, budget-friendly field gun that delivers solid performance without the premium price tag. This pump-action 12-gauge features a 28-inch barrel, a 4-round capacity, and a two-tone Woodlands Camo over FDE finish that blends into brush and timber alike. Built for hunters and recreational shooters who want a no-nonsense scattergun, the 301 cycles 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells smoothly, and its synthetic stock stands up to wet weather and rough handling. Per manufacturer specs, the action is based on a time-tested twin-rail design, ensuring consistent feeding and extraction round after round.
| Manufacturer | Charles Daly |
|---|---|
| Model | 301 |
| Material | Synthetic stock and forend, steel barrel and receiver |
| Compatibility | 12-gauge 2¾” and 3″ shells |
| Finish | Woodlands Camo pattern over Flat Dark Earth (FDE) |
| Weight | Approx. 7.2 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- 28-Inch Barrel with Vent Rib – WHY IT MATTERS: The longer sight radius and raised rib help you swing smoothly on moving targets, making it ideal for waterfowl and upland birds.
- Twin-Rail Pump Action – WHY IT MATTERS: Dual action bars prevent binding and keep the forend tracking straight, even when you cycle fast or run heavy magnum loads.
- Woodlands Camo/FDE Finish – WHY IT MATTERS: This two-tone camo breaks up your silhouette against wooded backdrops and resists corrosion, so the gun stays looking fresh after seasons in the field.
- 4+1 Round Capacity – WHY IT MATTERS: Enough firepower for three quick shots at flushing birds, with a plug-ready magazine tube if you need to comply with migratory bird regs.
- Cross-Bolt Safety – WHY IT MATTERS: The classic push-button safety is intuitive and easy to reach under the trigger guard, even with gloves on during cold-weather hunts.
Who It’s For
This shotgun targets the tech-savvy shooter who wants a modern, affordable pump that doesn’t sacrifice reliability. It’s for the DIY hunter who appreciates a camo pattern that actually works in the field, the budget-conscious sportsman upgrading from a basic black synthetic, and the early adopter who likes seeing innovation in the entry-level segment—like the twin-rail system that’s usually found on pricier pumps.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Sub-$310 price point makes it one of the most affordable camo 12-gauge pumps available.
- Pro: Twin-rail action delivers smooth cycling that rivals shotguns costing twice as much.
- Pro: Woodlands Camo finish is legit for hunting—it’s not just a gimmick pattern.
- Con: The trigger pull is heavier than aftermarket drop-in triggers from Geissele or Timney, and the 301 isn’t compatible with their trigger packs without modification.
Comparison: Charles Daly 301 vs. Competitors
| Feature | Charles Daly 301 | Mossberg 500 Field | Remington 870 Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 28″ | 28″ | 28″ |
| Capacity | 4+1 | 5+1 | 4+1 |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 7.0 lbs |
| Action Bars | Twin-rail | Twin-action bars | Single-action bar |
| Finish | Woodlands Camo/FDE | Synthetic black | Blued/black synthetic |
| Price | $304.88 | $450–$500 | $420–$480 |
The 301 undercuts both the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 by over $100 while still offering a twin-rail action and a camo finish. The Mossberg wins on capacity (5+1), but the 870’s single-action bar can bind under stress—the 301’s twin rails give you more consistent cycling. For the price difference, you can grab a case of shells and still come out ahead.
FAQ
Does the Charles Daly 301 accept aftermarket chokes?
Yes, the 28-inch barrel is threaded for standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes, so you can swap in full, modified, or improved cylinder chokes for different game and ranges. Check your local regs for waterfowl restrictions.
Can I mount a red dot or optic on this shotgun?
The receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base, but there’s no factory rail. You’ll need to buy a weaver-style or picatinny rail mount separately. The vent rib barrel doesn’t have a drilled receiver for front sights, so stick with bead sights for now.
Is the Woodlands Camo finish durable?
Per manufacturer specs, the camo is applied using a hydro-dip process that bonds to the synthetic stock and forend. It holds up well against scratches and light impacts, though aggressive cleaning solvents can dull the pattern over time. Use mild soap and water to keep it looking fresh.
Does the 4-round capacity include a plug for migratory birds?
Yes, the magazine tube comes with a factory-installed wooden dowel plug that limits capacity to 2 rounds for waterfowl hunting. You can remove it easily for 4+1 capacity when target shooting or hunting upland game where legal.
What’s the difference between the 301 and older Charles Daly pumps?
Earlier Charles Daly pumps used a single-action bar design. The 301 upgrades to a twin-rail system for smoother, more reliable cycling, and the Woodlands Camo/FDE finish is new for 2025–2026 models. The trigger group is also simplified for easier disassembly.
Ready to Add This Pump to Your Collection?
✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✅ Ships 1-2 business days
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Explore more options: Pump Action Shotguns | 12 Gauge Shotguns | Camo Shotguns
Last updated: April 2026
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