Charles Daly 101 Single Barrel 12 Gauge Shotgun

Description

Let me paint you a picture. You’re walking a fence line on a crisp Missouri morning, or maybe you’re introducing a young shooter to the fundamentals. You don’t need a complex, tactical machine. You need a tool that’s simple, reliable, and gets the job done without fuss. That’s where the Charles Daly 101 Single Barrel, Break-Open 12 Ga, 28″, 3″, 1rd, Black comes in. I’ve put a few boxes of target and field loads through one, and it’s exactly what it promises to be: a no-nonsense, back-to-basics shotgun.

So, what is the Charles Daly 101 Single Barrel, Break-Open 12 Ga, 28″, 3″, 1rd, Black? It’s a classic, single-shot, break-action 12-gauge shotgun with a 28-inch barrel, a 3-inch chamber, and a matte black finish. It’s designed for simplicity, safety training, and basic hunting or pest control where one well-placed shot is all you need. At $161.67, it’s an accessible entry point into firearm ownership.

Here’s the thing—this isn’t a gun trying to be something it’s not. It’s a single-shot. That’s the core of its appeal. The break-open action is intuitive; it’s safe, it shows you clearly if the chamber is empty, and it forces a deliberate pace. The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing for clays or birds, and it handles standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells without issue. I found the weight, right around 6 pounds, to be a good balance—steady enough to manage recoil but not a burden to carry all day.

The matte black metal and hardwood stock give it a clean, traditional look. The manual safety is positive and easy to operate. Look, it’s a simple mechanical device. You open it, you load it, you close it, you fire it. That simplicity means there’s very little to go wrong. It’s also why this platform is a staple for teaching new shooters—the manual of arms is straightforward and emphasizes fundamental safety.

Specifications

Gauge	12 Gauge
Chamber	3″
Capacity	1 Round
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Action	Break-Open, Single Shot
Finish	Matte Black

Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: incredible value, supreme simplicity, safe and easy to use, and lightweight for carrying. It’s also drop-in ready for standard 12-gauge ammunition from any major brand like Federal or Winchester. The cons are inherent to the design: it’s a single-shot, so follow-up shots require reloading. The stock is functional hardwood, not fancy walnut. Recoil with heavy 3-inch magnum loads can be stout due to the lighter weight.

Who is this for? This is the perfect first gun for a new hunter or a young adult under supervision. It’s an excellent tool for safety courses. It’s for the landowner who needs a reliable varmint controller that can live in a truck or tractor without worry. It’s for the shooter who appreciates minimalist, mechanical tools. It is not for home defense (generally) or for any situation where multiple rapid shots are anticipated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this shotgun fire steel shot for waterfowl hunting?

A: Yes, the 3-inch chamber and modern steel construction allow it to safely fire non-toxic steel shot loads, making it suitable for waterfowl hunting where required by law.

Q: Is the barrel choked?

A: Typically, these come with a modified choke tube installed, providing a versatile pattern for a variety of uses from small game to clays. It’s always best to check the specific product listing or the barrel itself for markings.

Q: How does the single-shot design benefit a new shooter?

A: It enforces discipline. The shooter focuses on making one shot count, learns to safely handle and load the firearm after every shot, and isn’t distracted by managing a magazine or pump action. It builds fundamentals from the ground up.

If the idea of a straightforward, dependable, and affordable shotgun fits your needs—whether for training, hunting, or farm use—the Charles Daly 101 is a solid choice. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.