The Charles Daly 500 is a 12-gauge side-by-side break-open shotgun with a 28-inch barrel and an oiled walnut stock over an engraved silver receiver. At 5.6 lbs. it is light for a field gun, and the 45-inch overall length handles naturally on upland birds. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Charles Daly 500 
• Type: Side By Side Shotgun 
• Gauge: 12 GA 
• Barrel Length: 28 inches 
• Capacity: 2 rounds 
• Weight: 5.6 lbs. 
• Receiver Finish: Silver 
• Stock Finish: Oiled Walnut 
• Action Type: Break Open (Side by Side) 
• Overall Length (OAL): 45 inches 
• Chamber Size: 3 inches 
   

Features 

• Hand-oiled checkered walnut stock for grip texture and a traditional look 
• Double triggers let the shooter select which barrel fires first 
• Fixed brass bead front sight 
• Manual safety 
• Ships with five Beretta/Benelli-style chokes: Cylindrical, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full 
   
  The five-choke set covers most field and clay-target applications. The 3-inch chamber handles standard and magnum loads. Double triggers are a practical choice for quick barrel selection when chokes are set differently for a mixed day of shooting.

Owners of the Charles Daly 500 Elite consistently mention the oiled walnut finish as a draw. The wood looks good and feels well-fitted. Build quality comes up as a positive, with most users describing the gun as solid and well-balanced in hand.

On the range and in the field it generally runs without issue. The operation is smooth and it cycles reliably for most users. Criticisms include weight fatigue after extended carry (notable given the 5.6-lb. spec), occasional ejection problems, and a trigger pull that some find heavier than expected. These complaints are minority views but recur across reviews.

For the price the 500 Elite is seen as a good entry into the side-by-side category, aesthetics and basic function at a lower cost than European alternatives. Shooters who prioritize the look and feel of a traditional SxS without a large budget tend to be the core audience.