Description
There's something to be said for a shotgun that does one thing and does it well. The Charles Daly 101 is a break-action single shot 20 gauge that strips away everything you don't need and keeps what matters: a steel receiver, a 26 inch barrel with a brass bead up front, and real checkered walnut on both the stock and forend. Crack it open, drop in a shell, close it up, and you're hunting. It weighs a scant 4.8 pounds, which you will appreciate around hour three of chasing grouse through the timber.
Why the Charles Daly 101 Makes Sense in 20 Gauge
The 3 inch chamber gives you plenty of room to work with, from soft-kicking 2 3/4 inch target loads for busting clays to heavier 3 inch magnums when birds are the business of the day. And since the 20 gauge already runs lighter on recoil than a 12, this is a natural pick for younger hunters, smaller-framed folks, or anyone teaching a new shooter the ropes. A single shot also happens to be one of the best training tools out there. When you only get one round, you learn to make it count.
Choke Options and Field-Ready Details
The barrel is threaded for the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke pattern, one of the most common systems around, and a Modified tube comes installed from the factory. Modified is a solid all-around constriction for upland birds, squirrels, and rabbits, and if you want to tighten up for turkey or open up for close flushes, compatible tubes are easy to find. An extractor lifts spent hulls clear of the chamber so you can pluck them out and reload without fuss, and the manual safety keeps operation straightforward.
Where the Charles Daly 101 Earns Its Keep
At 41.75 inches overall, it's compact enough to stash behind the truck seat or strap to a pack, and light enough that it never feels like a chore to carry. Whether it's a starter gun for a new hunter, a knockabout for the farm, or just a simple walnut-stocked single barrel because you like them, the 101 covers a lot of ground without complicating anything.
Key Specifications
- Model: 101 Single Barrel
- Manufacturer Part Number: 930.235
- UPC: 8053800941433
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Chamber: 3"
- Action: Break Open, Single Shot
- Barrel Length: 26"
- Capacity: 1 Round
- Choke System: Beretta/Benelli Mobil Choke Threads
- Choke Included: Modified (MC-1)
- Stock and Forend: Checkered Walnut
- Front Sight: Brass Bead
- Receiver Material: Steel
- Extraction: Extractor
- Safety: Manual
- Overall Length: 41.75"
What’s Included
- Charles Daly 101 single shot 20 gauge shotgun
- Modified choke tube (installed)
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Charles Daly 101 shoot both 2 3/4 inch and 3 inch shells?
Yes. The 101 has a 3 inch chamber, so it handles standard 2 3/4 inch loads as well as full 3 inch magnum shells. That gives you a lot of flexibility, from light target loads at the range to heavier hunting loads in the field.
What choke tubes fit the Charles Daly 101 20 gauge?
The barrel is threaded for the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke pattern, which is one of the most widely available systems on the market. A Modified choke tube comes installed from the factory, and you can swap in other Mobil-pattern 20 gauge tubes like Full or Improved Cylinder depending on what you're hunting.
How much does the Charles Daly 101 weigh, and is it a good youth or beginner gun?
It comes in around 4.8 pounds with an overall length of 41.75 inches, so it's light and easy to handle. Between the mild recoil of the 20 gauge and the simple one-shot break action, it's a popular choice for teaching new hunters and building good shooting habits.
Does the Charles Daly 101 eject spent shells automatically?
No, this model uses an extractor rather than an ejector. When you break the action open, the extractor lifts the spent hull partway out of the chamber so you can pull it free by hand. Many hunters prefer this since it keeps empties from flying into the brush.




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