Charles Daly 301 pump-action – FUNCTION OVER FLASH

In 1865, Charles Daly and August Schoverling founded the sporting goods business Schoverling & Daly, which, by 1875, was operating under the brand name Charles Daly. The company quickly established a reputation for dealing in top-quality firearms from around the world.
In 1899, the original Charles Daly died, but the business continued with his son, Charles Howard Daly, taking his place until 1919 when Henry Modell purchased the partnership. Throughout the years, various owners continued importing firearms and marketing them under the Charles Daly name. Then in 1996, the brand expanded its import line to include semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns, as well as 1911-style pistols, and was rebranded as Charles Daly, The Shooting Sports Specialist.

On test
Today we are looking at the 301 shotgun, which originates from Turkey and is distributed by ESR Distribution, situated within the Emmett and Stone gun shop.
It’s a cost-effective and pretty basic three-shot pump-action shotgun for shooters who want to use their firearms rather than simply admire them, and it comes with a black synthetic stock, although camo or wood versions are available.
This black synthetic-stocked version has an overall matte black metal and stock finish, with a single bead foresight, a multi-choked barrel measuring 28”, and a dovetailed aluminium receiver. For the money, at £325, it looks to offer good value. Let’s see how it fares in the test.

Detailed examination
Overall, I actually like the very subtle, drab matte-black finish, as it is highly hunter-friendly, being both non-reflective and pretty scratch-resistant. However, when handled, it is easy to leave skin cells on the surface. Obviously, the finish protects the steel beneath and the barrel and bolt from rusting.
The action is a solid aluminium machined lump and sports the same anodised finish. As previously mentioned, it also boasts a full-length dovetailed scope rail for a red dot sight or a scope.
When you cock or pump the action, it feels very well put together, with a strong sense of solidity, and there is very little rattle or flexibility. This certainly enhances a good, consistent feed and ejection sequence, where the single claw extractor and receiver-mounted ejector stud efficiently complete the removal of spent cartridges.
The single-piece steel bolt shows a non-glare, matte-blued finish, and it locks via a large, top-protruding lug when it is fully home. When locked and ready to fire, the bolt can be released by operating a small drop lever on the left-hand side, situated just in front of the trigger. This is a useful feature that can be used for removing a case while crossing a fence or when switching to another cartridge.
Fire control is via a smooth, thin trigger blade that broke at a hefty 8lbs 7oz when tested with the Lyman trigger gauge. As with most pump and semi-auto shotguns, the simple yet effective cross-bolt safety is deployed to good effect by just blocking the movement of the trigger blade.
The loading port on the bottom of the action is of standard size, but it would benefit from being slightly enlarged at the sides and edges to allow for quicker and smoother feeding of cartridges into the magazine tube. That said, it works well as it is. Once again, it also shows the very same practical matte finish.

Barrel and chokes
The 28” barrel is critical for achieving decent patterns downrange, and it features a single brass bead at the muzzle end. The rib is slender at 8mm, serrated, and has eight evenly spaced vents to adequately cool the barrel during rapid-fire sessions.
Chambered for 3” shells, it is also steel-shot proofed (but not for high-pressure rounds) and comes equipped with three Beretta/Benelli Mobil Chokes: ¼, ½, and full (IC, M, F). Overall, a sensible array of choke sizes, covering all the useful 12-bore duties. They sit flush and screw in and out snugly.

Plain Jane
The black stock is a moulded synthetic design with a lightly textured finish. It features a standard sporter profile, making it comfortable to shoot. Enhanced grip is provided by panels of moulded chequering on the pistol grip (without palm swells) and three panels (two on the sides and one underneath) on the fore-end. Which, incidentally, also includes long, nearly full-length finger grooves on the top side, ensuring positive control when pumping the action.
It’s a practical and durable stock finish and material, although the butt section feels slightly hollow and produces an echo when struck. However, the thick rubber recoil pad performs effectively, providing good recoil reduction and a secure shoulder grip. Additionally, two quick-detach swivel studs are included, offering a convenient option for attaching a sling. Finally, the length of pull is 14.2”, which is pretty decent for most people, including a lanky person like me!

Field test
I must say, for the money, it all feels solid and well put together—not at all flimsy. It points well and is nice and light for a 12-bore pump at 7.4lbs, making it a fatigue-free gun to use in the field. Also, because of its polymer stock, you can bash it about in the hide or hedgerow without too much hassle or worry.
For testing, I fed the 301 a variety of 2 ¾” cartridges without any issues. The 2 ½” shells also cycled through the gun smoothly. Ejection was consistently strong and reliable, with empty cases being cleared forcefully and efficiently.
Setting up the pattern boards at 30 yards, I fitted the ½ choke and shot a variety of game and pigeon loads. Up first were the Imperial Game, and the large 28gr load of No. 4 shot produced 111 pellet strikes, with 46 hits to the inner 15” and the remaining 65 around the circumference.
The Super Fast Pigeon cartridges contain 29gr of No. 6 shot and managed 189 hits, with 74 inner and 115 outer strikes. Overall, a great all-round pigeon or vermin load.
Hull’s High Pheasant Extreme load boasts 32gr of No. 5 shot, and we counted a total of 173 hits, with 64 inners and 109 outers. In use, I found that the recoil was manageable for a quick second shot.
Finally, Eley’s Grand Prix cartridge scored 170 hits, with 53 inners and 117 outers. Overall, an even pattern and no gaps from this 32gr No. 6 classic game load.

Conclusion
Considering the price point, this pump-action shotgun offers excellent value for money. It shoots nice patterns and did not malfunction during the test, so win-win. I like the rugged, albeit slightly plain finish, which is ideal for hunters who prioritise function over flash. As a first-time or all-around vermin/pigeon gun, you could do a lot worse than the 301.