Opinions on Charles Daly shotguns

[John E]

Like the title says...

Anyone got one? Like it? Hate it? Etc.

[BorntoVenture]

Not a fan here. I don't know how many different models are offered but the "Wal-Mart / Gander Mountain" models are prone to failure in cold weather. I tried two different semi-auto models and both failed on their 2nd shot in 0-15 degree F weather. A long slender piece of metal on the ejection system broke on both of them. I should also mention both were well maintained, lubed, and dry.

[Colorado David]

The Charles Daly gun has had several lives. The first were made by Lindner were stamped HAL on the barrel flats and had the crossed pistols proof marks. These were tremendous guns of the very finest craftsmanship and are hot among collectors. You'll find them with absolutely beautiful damascus barrels. After the Lindner era, they were made by Sauer and were simply called Prussian Dalys, but didn't have the HAL or the crossed pistols mark. The modern era Daly guns made by Miroku in Japan are very good guns as well. Miroku makes the Browning Citori and formerly made the Browning BSS. The current Daly guns are made in either Spain or Italy. I don't have any experience with the Italian or Spanish guns. I would have every confidence in the Miroku made guns and the Lindner or Prussian guns should be judged based on their condition. The name Charles Daly has been a brand unrelated to the Daly family since 1919. In addition to the double guns for which Daly has always been known, they are now also making a 1911 clone.

[WKCwith5]

I have a 20ga that has worked well for me. I have not had any problems at all. It has been a good semi-auto for the money.

[TheOne]

Not a big fan of the newer models but as previously stated the older models not spanish or italian versions. Have had a newer 12ga auto and screws kept showing up missing and it was maintained regularly every outing you had to tighten all screws and some would even pop up missing at times.

[xx.xii]

my experience was crap,i really bought it cuz it was only $50 in the local trading post ad, but i could of used that money towards more ammo for my remy 870 and moss 590

[flywgn]

If you don't find enough answers here you might try this LINK (http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/search.php?keywords=charles+daly&terms=all&author=&fid%5B%5D=3&sc=1&sf=all&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search).

Allen R

[John E]

so far.

I've read a couple of gun forums, albeit briefly, and there seems to be a big difference in the experiences posted there as opposed to those posted here.

More data, the one I'm looking at is what they call a "Tactical Field" gun, 18.5" barrel, 6 shot 12 gauge pump. Mainly looking at it as a defense gun, not gonna be hunting grouse with it.

Thanks again.

[Gone2Baja]

Good morning,

I've had one for 2 years now and 'so far so good' I shoot light loads with no problems.
I do a lot of trails near the border it's a great deterrent and I won't cry if it gets scratched.It's also great for my 11 year old nephew who has a case of 'butterfingers'
I have used it for some hand thrown clays I know its not made for that but it's fun with the short barrel.
I still love my 870 but for the price it's a great value.

[Mike S]

The Charles Daly gun has had several lives. The first were made by Lindner were stamped HAL on the barrel flats and had the crossed pistols proof marks. These were tremendous guns of the very finest craftsmanship and are hot among collectors. You'll find them with absolutely beautiful damascus barrels. After the Lindner era, they were made by Sauer and were simply called Prussian Dalys, but didn't have the HAL or the crossed pistols mark.

Sorta like this one... 1898 Lindner -built Charles Daly 20 gauge. Five and a half pounds.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/2543Lindner_Daly_20_TopLO.JPG

[Colorado David]

Sorta like this one...

Yes, exactly like that one. Or one that was stocked by Doug Mann and now lives in Montana. I think you might know of that gun.

[Roktoys84]

so far.

I've read a couple of gun forums, albeit briefly, and there seems to be a big difference in the experiences posted there as opposed to those posted here.

More data, the one I'm looking at is what they call a "Tactical Field" gun, 18.5" barrel, 6 shot 12 gauge pump. Mainly looking at it as a defense gun, not gonna be hunting grouse with it.

Thanks again.

If you want a gun for self defense buy a Mossberg. They have a model with a 20" barrel and an 8 round capacity. Pistol grip or butt stock.

If you want a cheap auto-loader for hunting or plinking the Charles Daly will be fine. I have a 12 ga thats had hundreds of rounds through it and it functions as good at new. I usually run whatever shells are on sale and can't recall ever having a jam or misfire. I have no regrets buying mine, but I have a Walter P22 that I love too, and people have horror stories about those too, you know the one that always start "my buddy has one and it jams all the time..."

[ntsqd]

snip.......
More data, the one I'm looking at is what they call a "Tactical Field" gun, 18.5" barrel, 6 shot 12 gauge pump. Mainly looking at it as a defense gun, not gonna be hunting grouse with it.

Thanks again.
I'll second one of the Mossberg 500 variants suggestion for this use. They are not pretty. They are a tool, and they work as a tool should. If still in production one of the "Mariner"s would be my first choice.