The Charles Daly 601 is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun aimed at hunters and sport shooters who want a capable gun without paying a premium price. The aluminum receiver keeps weight down at 7.20 lbs., and the Flat Dark Earth finish with wood-pattern stock is a practical combination for field use. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 601 Field 
• Action: Semi-Auto 
• Caliber: 12 GA 
• Barrel Length: 28 inches 
• Capacity: 4+1 rounds 
• Chamber: 3 inches 
• Overall Length (OAL): 48.38 inches 
• Weight: 7.20 lbs. 
• Sights: Fiber Optic Front 
• Safety: Manual Thumb 
• Finish: Flat Dark Earth 
   

Detailed Features 

The vent rib barrel aids target tracking on moving birds without adding much weight. A fiber optic front sight picks up quickly in varying light. The manual thumb safety is straightforward. Three chokes are included (IC, M, and F), and they're Beretta/Benelli-pattern, so finding additional chokes is easy. The semi-auto action handles standard field loads without requiring any adjustment. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Field hunting for birds or small game where the semi-auto action speeds up follow-up shots. 
• Clay sports (skeet, trap) where the included choke selection covers most distances. 
• A second gun or starter shotgun for new shooters who want semi-auto function at a reasonable price point.

The Charles Daly 601 FDE Semi-Auto generates mixed but generally positive feedback, with price-to-performance being the recurring theme.

Most owners are satisfied with the value. At its price point, getting a 12-gauge semi-auto with fiber optic sights and a three-choke set is a solid deal, and many users say it shoots well out of the box. The lightweight design and handling get consistent praise, particularly from hunters who carry it through long days in the field.

Reliability is the main concern in negative reviews. Some users report issues with certain ammunition types, particularly lighter loads, and the gun reportedly requires more attention to cleaning than higher-end semi-autos. This is less of a surprise at this price point, but worth knowing.

The FDE finish gets mixed reactions. Some like the look and find it holds up adequately; others think it scratches or wears more readily than they'd expect from a more expensive shotgun. That's a fair trade-off for the price.

Overall, the 601 is a practical choice if you're after an affordable semi-auto for hunting or casual sport shooting and you're willing to stay on top of cleaning. It's not a match for premium gas-operated semi-autos in terms of reliability across all load types, but for standard field ammunition it gets the job done.