I recently spent a few weekends putting an older Miroku-made model through its paces for this charles daly 500 side by side review. If you've spent any time scouring the used racks at your local gun shop, you've probably seen the Charles Daly name more than once. They didn't actually manufacture these guns themselves; instead, they imported them from various makers over the decades. The Model 500, specifically the ones built in Japan by Miroku, has earned a reputation for being one of the best "sleeper" deals in the world of double guns.
A Bit of History on the Charles Daly 500
Before we get into the nuts and bolts, it's worth knowing where these guns come from. For a long time, Charles Daly was a brand name that signified high-quality imports. In the 1960s and 70s, they partnered with Miroku in Japan—the same factory that produces the legendary Browning Citori and the Winchester 101.
When you pick up a Model 500 from that era, you're basically holding a Browning-quality firearm without the "Browning tax" on the price tag. Later on, the brand changed hands and production moved to places like Italy and eventually Turkey, but for most enthusiasts, the Japanese 500s are the ones that really matter. They represent a time when "Made in Japan" meant incredible attention to detail and rock-solid steel.
First Impressions: Aesthetics and Feel
The first thing you notice when you pick up a Model 500 is that it feels remarkably slim. Modern side-by-sides, especially the cheaper ones, can feel a bit "clunky" or thick in the hands. The 500 isn't like that at all. It has a very traditional, graceful profile. The wood is usually a decent grade of walnut—nothing that's going to win a beauty pageant against a $10,000 custom gun, but it has a nice grain and a warm, hand-rubbed look that has aged well over forty or fifty years.
The checkering is usually quite sharp, and the bluing on the barrels is deep and rich. It's that old-school blue that looks almost black until the sun hits it just right. The receiver is often a simple boxlock design, sometimes with light scroll engraving that's tasteful rather than gaudy. It looks like a tool, but a very well-made one.
Performance Out in the Field
Taking this gun out to the sporting clays range and then into the brush for some upland hunting really highlighted its strengths. It's a light gun, typically weighing in around 6.5 to 7 pounds depending on the gauge and barrel length. That makes it a joy to carry all day through tall grass, but it also means you're going to feel the recoil a bit more if you're shooting heavy 3-inch waterfowl loads.
Handling and Balance
The balance point is right where it should be, just a hair in front of the hinge pin. This makes the gun very "pointable." It doesn't fight you when you're trying to track a fast-moving bird. I found that I didn't have to think much about the swing; the gun just sort of followed my eyes. It's snappy, which is exactly what you want when a pheasant flushes unexpectedly and you've only got a split second to get on target.
The Trigger and Action
Most of the 500s you'll find have a single selective trigger, though some older versions come with double triggers. The one I tested had the single trigger, and it was surprisingly crisp. There's very little creep, and the reset is positive.
The action opens with a satisfying "clink" and closes like a vault door. Even after thousands of rounds, these Miroku-built actions tend to stay tight. If you find one that's been well-cared for, it should still require a little bit of effort to snap shut—that's a good sign that the lockup is still solid.
Technical Specs to Keep in Mind
If you're shopping for one of these, you need to be aware of a few "vintage" quirks. Most Charles Daly 500s were made before the era of screw-in chokes. That means you're likely looking at fixed chokes, usually Modified and Full or Improved Cylinder and Modified.
- Barrels: Usually 26 or 28 inches.
- Chambers: Most are 2 3/4 inch, though some 20-gauge and 12-gauge models might have 3-inch chambers. Always check the stamp on the barrel.
- Safety: Usually a tang-mounted slide safety that is often non-automatic (meaning it doesn't click back to "safe" every time you open the gun).
- Ejectors vs. Extractors: Many 500s feature automatic ejectors that kick the spent shells clear out of the gun, which is a nice "premium" touch for a gun at this price point.
What to Look for When Buying Used
Since you aren't going to find these brand new at a big-box retailer anymore, you'll be looking at the secondary market. Here are a few things I'd check before dropping your cash:
- Check the "Off-Face" Issue: Remove the forend, hold the gun by the grip, and shake it gently. If you feel any wiggle between the barrels and the receiver, the gun is "off-face" and will need a gunsmith's attention.
- Look at the Lever Position: When the gun is closed, the top lever should point slightly to the right or be dead center. If it points to the left, the locking bolt is worn out.
- Inspect the Bores: Since these were made before steel shot was common, make sure the previous owner didn't ruin the barrels by shooting heavy steel through tight chokes. Look for any bulging or "ringing" near the end of the muzzles.
The Pros and Cons Breakdown
Pros: * Excellent Value: You're getting Japanese craftsmanship for a fraction of the price of a modern European double. * Beautiful Handling: It's a very natural-pointing shotgun that feels "alive" in the hands. * Durability: The Miroku boxlock action is legendary for its longevity. * Classic Looks: It has a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style at the gun club.
Cons: * Fixed Chokes: This limits your versatility unless you want to pay a gunsmith to thread the barrels for tubes. * Recoil: Being a lighter gun, it can be a bit punchy with high-brass loads. * Parts Availability: While they are reliable, finding specific small parts can sometimes require a bit of hunting on eBay or Numrich.
Who Is This Shotgun For?
I think the Charles Daly 500 is perfect for the upland hunter who wants to move away from pump-actions or semi-autos and try something more traditional. It's for the person who appreciates a well-timed ejector and the feel of real walnut but doesn't want to worry about scratching up a $5,000 heirloom in the briers. It's also a great choice for a younger shooter or someone smaller-framed because of its relatively light weight and slim grip.
Final Thoughts on This Classic Double Gun
Wrapping things up, the Charles Daly 500 is a fantastic entry point into the world of quality side-by-side shotguns. It's a workhorse dressed up in Sunday clothes. While it might lack the fancy sideplates or the gold inlays of high-end Italian guns, it makes up for it with sheer reliability and "pointability."
If you can find a Miroku-stamped model in good shape for a fair price, don't hesitate. It's one of those rare instances where you really do get more than what you paid for. Whether you're chasing quail or just breaking some casual clays on a Saturday morning, the Model 500 is more than capable of getting the job done with a bit of old-school class. Just remember to check those chokes before you buy, and you'll have a shotgun that will likely outlast your hunting career.