Charles Daly 601 Field 12GA Semi-Auto 28 in TrueTimber Strata

Description

The Charles Daly 601 Field 12GA Semi-Auto 28 in TrueTimber Strata is a full-size gas-operated shotgun built for hunters and shooters who need a reliable field gun without the premium price tag. It combines a 28-inch vent-rib barrel with a fixed TrueTimber Strata synthetic stock, giving you weather resistance and balanced handling for long days in the field. The aluminum receiver and gas system keep recoil manageable, while the 3-inch chamber lets you run heavy magnum loads when you need them. This is a no-frills semi-auto that gets the job done.

Manufacturer	Charles Daly
Model	601 Field
Material	Aluminum receiver, synthetic stock
Compatibility	12 Gauge 2.75 and 3-inch shells
Finish	TrueTimber Strata (fixed stock and forend)
Weight	Approx. 7.2 lbs per manufacturer specs
Condition	New

Key Features

• Gas-Operated Action – Why it matters: Reduces felt recoil by cycling gas pressure to work the bolt, so you stay on target for faster follow-up shots. Per Charles Daly specs, this system is tuned for 12-gauge loads from light target shells to heavy 3-inch magnums.
• 28-Inch Vent-Rib Barrel – Why it matters: The longer barrel gives you a smooth swing for wingshooting and patterns, while the vent rib cuts mirage on hot days. It’s a proven length for upland birds, waterfowl, and clays.
• TrueTimber Strata Synthetic Stock – Why it matters: The camouflage pattern blends into timber and fields, and the synthetic material won’t warp or swell in rain or snow. It’s a durable, low-maintenance setup for all-weather hunting.
• 4+1 Capacity with 3-Inch Chamber – Why it matters: You get four rounds in the tube plus one in the chamber, enough for most hunting scenarios. The 3-inch chamber lets you run steel shot or heavy loads for geese and turkeys.
• Includes Three Choke Tubes – Why it matters: Comes with Full, Improved Cylinder, and Modified chokes so you can dial in your pattern for close-cover to long-range shots without buying extras.

Who It’s For

This shotgun is for the hunter or recreational shooter who wants a dependable semi-auto without spending over $500. It fits upland bird hunters chasing pheasants or quail, waterfowlers working marshes with steel shot, and anyone who needs a general-purpose field gun for clays or pest control. If you’re a first-time shotgun buyer or a seasoned shooter looking for a backup gun, the Charles Daly 601 Field delivers solid performance at a budget-friendly price.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Affordable price point under $350, reliable gas operation reduces recoil, TrueTimber camo stock resists weather, 3-inch chamber handles heavy loads, includes three choke tubes for versatility.
• Cons: One honest drawback – the synthetic stock feels less refined than wood or higher-end composites, and the fixed camo pattern limits customization. For the price, it’s a trade-off you can live with.

Comparison

Feature	Charles Daly 601 Field	Mossberg 930 Field	Stoeger M3000
Action	Gas-operated semi-auto	Gas-operated semi-auto	Inertia-driven semi-auto
Barrel Length	28 inches	28 inches	28 inches
Chamber	3-inch	3-inch	3-inch
Stock	TrueTimber Strata synthetic	Synthetic black	Synthetic black
Weight	~7.2 lbs	~7.5 lbs	~6.8 lbs
Average Price	$328.66	$550–$600	$450–$500

Frequently Asked Questions

What shells does the Charles Daly 601 Field cycle reliably?

Per manufacturer specs, it cycles 2.75-inch target loads and 3-inch magnum shells reliably. For best results, use shells with at least 1,200 fps velocity during break-in. Light target loads under 1,150 fps may short-cycle until the gun is seasoned.

Does the Charles Daly 601 Field come with a case or choke wrench?

It includes three choke tubes (Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified) and a choke wrench. No hard or soft case is included, but the box is sturdy enough for storage.

Is the Charles Daly 601 Field compatible with aftermarket parts like stocks or chokes?

The stock is fixed and not easily replaceable. Choke tubes are standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern, so you can swap in aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Patternmaster.

How does the gas system handle heavy loads for waterfowl?

The gas system is designed to handle 3-inch magnum loads up to 1,500 fps. According to Charles Daly, the aluminum receiver and piston assembly reduce felt recoil by about 30% compared to fixed-breech guns, making it manageable for all-day hunts.

According to industry data, semi-auto shotguns account for over 40% of the hunting shotgun market in the U.S., with gas-operated models preferred for reduced recoil and reliability. The Charles Daly 601 Field fits this segment at a price point that undercuts most competitors by $150 or more.

Trust Block:
✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day returns
✓ Secure checkout

Semi Auto Shotguns | 12 Gauge Shotguns | Hunting Shotguns

Last updated: April 2026