The Charles Daly 930204 601 12 Gauge 4+1 3″ 28″ Vent Rib Blued Barrel, Black Anodized Aluminum Receiver, Black Synthetic Stock, Includes 5 Choke Tubes is a semi-auto shotgun that brings modern reliability to an affordable price point. Machined from solid aluminum alloy bars, the receiver keeps weight low without sacrificing strength—handling both 2.75″ and 3″ shells with consistent cycling. This is a no-nonsense field gun that shoots flat, patterns tight, and won’t break your budget.
| Manufacturer | Charles Daly |
|---|---|
| Model | 601 |
| Material | Aluminum alloy receiver, blued steel barrel, synthetic stock |
| Compatibility | 12 gauge 2.75″ and 3″ shells |
| Finish | Blued barrel, black anodized receiver |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Solid Aluminum Alloy Receiver: Why it matters—lighter than steel receivers (saves nearly a pound) without flexing under heavy 3″ loads, so you carry less fatigue on all-day hunts.
- 28″ Vent Rib Barrel with Blued Finish: Why it matters—the ventilated rib provides a consistent sight plane for fast target acquisition, and the blued steel resists corrosion in wet conditions.
- Includes 5 Choke Tubes: Why it matters—you get full, modified, improved cylinder, skeet, and cylinder chokes right out of the box, so you can switch from dove fields to turkey woods in seconds.
- Black Synthetic Stock: Why it matters—weatherproof, impact-resistant, and textured grip panels keep you locked in even with wet hands or gloves.
- 4+1 Capacity with 3″ Chamber: Why it matters—load up magnum waterfowl loads or standard target shells with zero adjustment, giving you flexibility across seasons.
Who It’s For
This shotgun hits a sweet spot for budget-conscious hunters who want a semi-auto that actually runs. If you’re a tech-savvy shooter who appreciates modern materials (aluminum receiver, synthetic stock) over outdated wood-and-steel designs, the Charles Daly 601 fits. It’s ideal for waterfowl, upland birds, and clay sports where you need fast follow-ups without hand-cycling a pump. First-time semi-auto buyers will appreciate the low price, while experienced shooters will dig the reliability-per-dollar ratio.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Lightweight at ~6.8 lbs—easy to swing on fast targets and carry all day.
- Pro: Affordable price point under $300—leaves room for ammo and accessories.
- Pro: Includes 5 choke tubes—saves you $40–60 buying separately.
- Con: The synthetic stock has a basic, utilitarian feel—no adjustable comb or spacers, so shooters with longer arms may need an aftermarket recoil pad.
Comparison: Charles Daly 601 vs. Competitors
| Feature | Charles Daly 601 | Zev Technologies Z-12 | Lone Wolf Distributors Alpha Wolf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.20 | $1,299 | $849 |
| Receiver Material | Aluminum alloy | 7075 aluminum | Stainless steel |
| Weight | ~6.8 lbs | ~7.2 lbs | ~8.1 lbs |
| Choke Tubes Included | 5 (Full, Mod, IC, Skeet, Cyl) | 3 (IC, Mod, Full) | 1 (Modified) |
| Best For | Budget hunting, entry-level semi-auto | Competition shooters, custom builds | Duty/defense, heavy use |
While Zev and Lone Wolf target premium markets, the Charles Daly 601 delivers 90% of the performance at a fraction of the cost—perfect if you want a functional semi-auto without the luxury price tag.
FAQ
Will this shotgun cycle light target loads reliably?
Yes, the Charles Daly 601 is designed to handle both 2.75″ and 3″ shells. Per the manufacturer, it cycles standard 1-1/8 oz target loads without issue, though some light 7/8 oz loads may require a break-in period of 50–100 rounds.
Can I use steel shot with the included choke tubes?
The included choke tubes are steel-shot rated for Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder. Do not use steel shot in the Full choke tube—it can cause barrel damage. For heavy steel loads, stick with the more open chokes.
Does this shotgun require any special tools for disassembly?
No special tools needed. The barrel removes via a simple magazine cap, and the bolt assembly comes out with the trigger group pin. Basic cleaning is straightforward—perfect for field maintenance.
Is the receiver compatible with aftermarket optics mounts?
The receiver is drilled and tapped for standard Weaver-style rails. You can add a red dot or scope mount easily. Just note that the synthetic stock does not have a raised cheek piece, so a low-profile mount works best.
Ready to Buy?
Grab the Charles Daly 930204 601 12 Gauge 4+1 3″ 28″ Vent Rib Blued Barrel, Black Anodized Aluminum Receiver, Black Synthetic Stock, Includes 5 Choke Tubes for $279.20—a price that undercuts most pumps while giving you semi-auto speed. Add a case of shells and hit the range this weekend.
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Browse more Semi Auto Shotguns or check out Choke Tubes and 12 Gauge Ammunition.
Last updated: April 2026
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