Description
The Charles Daly CA612 Tactical Shotgun in 12 ga with a 3-inch chamber, 4-round magazine, and 22-inch barrel is built for families who want a reliable, easy-to-shoot semi-auto for home defense or range practice. This matte black shotgun combines an inertia-driven rotary bolt with a synthetic pistol grip stock, making it manageable for new shooters while still offering the durability experienced owners expect. Per manufacturer specs, the CA612 weighs just 6.7 lbs, so younger or smaller-framed family members can handle it without fatigue.
| Manufacturer | Charles Daly (per manufacturer specs) |
|---|---|
| Model | CA612 Tactical Shotgun |
| Material | Aluminum receiver, steel barrel, synthetic stock and forend |
| Compatibility | Accepts Beretta/Benelli Mobil Choke tubes (MC-5B thread pattern) |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Inertia-Driven Rotary Bolt: This system uses the shotgun’s recoil to cycle the action, reducing felt recoil and keeping the gun cleaner than gas-operated designs. It means less maintenance for you and smoother shooting for everyone in the family.
- 22-Inch Barrel with Fixed Hooded Front Sight and Ghost Ring Rear Sight: The ghost ring sight setup gives you fast target acquisition, which is critical in home-defense scenarios. The hooded front sight protects the blade from bumps, keeping your zero consistent.
- 4+1 Round Magazine Tube Capacity: With four shells in the tube and one in the chamber, you have five rounds ready. That’s enough for most defensive situations while keeping the shotgun compact and easy to maneuver.
- Synthetic Pistol Grip Stock: The pistol grip improves control and helps newer shooters maintain a consistent hold, especially when firing from the shoulder. The synthetic material resists weather and cleans up easily.
- Picatinny Rail on Receiver: Mount a red dot, flashlight, or laser without gunsmithing. This rail makes the CA612 adaptable for low-light conditions or target shooting upgrades.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is ideal for families looking to introduce teenagers or new shooters to a semi-auto platform. Its light weight and low-recoil inertia system make it forgiving for beginners, while the tactical features—ghost ring sights, Picatinny rail, and pistol grip—appeal to experienced owners who want a dependable defensive tool. If you’re teaching a spouse or child to shoot, the CA612 is a safe, straightforward choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Lightweight at 6.7 lbs; inertia system stays clean and reliable; accepts standard Beretta/Benelli choke tubes for versatility; ghost ring sights are fast and accurate; Picatinny rail allows easy accessory mounting.
Cons: The 4+1 capacity is lower than some extended-tube tactical shotguns, so you may want to carry extra shells on a side saddle if you anticipate needing more than five rounds.
Comparison
| Feature | Charles Daly CA612 | Lone Wolf Distributors G1 | Zev Technologies Z5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.7 lbs | 7.2 lbs | 7.0 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches | 24 inches | 20 inches |
| Capacity | 4+1 | 5+1 | 4+1 |
| Action | Inertia-driven semi-auto | Gas-operated semi-auto | Pump-action |
| Price | $342.59 | $499.99 | $649.99 |
The CA612 offers the lightest weight and lowest price of the three, making it the best value for families. The Lone Wolf G1 has a longer barrel and gas system but costs more and weighs more. The Zev Z5 is a pump-action, which some shooters prefer for reliability, but it lacks the faster follow-up shots of a semi-auto.
FAQ
What type of choke does the Charles Daly CA612 use?
It uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil Choke thread pattern (MC-5B). That means you can swap in a wide variety of aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Trulock for tighter patterns on clays or wider spreads for home defense.
Is this shotgun safe for a new shooter?
Yes. The inertia-driven action reduces felt recoil compared to many gas guns, and the 6.7-pound weight makes it easy to shoulder. The manual safety is positive and easy to reach. Always supervise new shooters and start with low-recoil target loads.
Can I mount a red dot or light on this shotgun?
Absolutely. The receiver has a Picatinny rail, so you can attach optics, flashlights, or lasers without any modification. This is a big plus for home defense use.
What is the barrel length and overall length?
The barrel is 22 inches, and the overall length is 43.6 inches. That’s compact enough for easy storage in a closet or safe but long enough to provide good sight radius and pattern control.
Trust and Delivery
✓ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
✓ Ships within 1-2 business days
✓ 30-day return policy for hassle-free exchanges
✓ Secure checkout with encrypted payment
Shop more shotguns in our Semi-Auto Shotguns category, or check out Home Defense Shotguns and Family Shooting Gear for the whole crew.
Last updated: April 2026
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