Author Topic: Charles Daly Superior and Empire combo guns (Read 2299 times)

tatwell · « **on:** May 28, 2005, 10:31:57 AM »

I n my searching around for an o/u rifle or combo gun, I came across the Charles Daly product, they had one called the Superior combo and one called the Empire combo, both come in 12/ 30-06, the shotgun barrel comes with choke tubes, barrel is grooved for scope, double triggers , etc. They are not inexpensive nor do they seem to high priced compared to others, I think the Superior lists aound 1600 and the Empire for around 2000, with selling prices a fair bit less. from the pictures they look like well made guns, my question is has anyone on here had any experience with this brand, or knows anything about them. I realize that they are an import made somewhere else, but thats about all I know. I am seriously considering getting one of these next week and would like some feedback if possible. Thanks.

dougk · « **Reply #1 on:** June 01, 2005, 07:30:59 AM »

Tatwell,
I looked at the Daley guns they look nice. Couple of questions for you to think about:
What is the resale value of the Daley?
Who actually makes the guns?
Do you want a free floating barrel?
Have you looked at the CZ combo or a used Valmet/Tikka 412/512?

Good Luck

Doug

tatwell · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2005, 08:05:04 AM »

Thanks for the feedback. I am not sure who makes them, have done some searching but haven't found the right site, I did find one item that makes me think they may be by the Japanese company Mirouki(sp). I like the way this gun looks with a solid barrel, at least it appears solid in both of the pics. The more expensive model seems to have better wood and a recoil pad. As far as the resale goes, I have yet to find a used one on any of the online sales sites, the superior grade o/u shotguns appear to resale around the $900 mark. I had at one time considered a Valmet o/u rifle, but the only one I located was a bit too far for me to go to look at it. I have looked at other brands, the CZ as far as I know isn't made anymore, I did look somewhat at the merkel drillings, and while quite expensive, they look like a well made piece that should last a lifetime. I would just as soon have an o/u rifle only, but thought that the shotgun barrel or drilling would make a better all around gun. Thanks again and I'll kep looking and let you know if I find anything else out.

tatwell · « **Reply #3 on:** June 01, 2005, 08:21:42 AM »

Well, I did find some better info...the info I read about them being Japanese is wrong. According to the Charles Daly(KBI) webiste, they are made by the Italian firm of Sabatti. I went to their site and did some looking around. Apparently the empire grade has a set trigger where the superior does not. The more I look the more I think I like this gun, of course looking and shooting are two diferent things. I will look into the Sabatti name and see what I come up with.

dougk · « **Reply #4 on:** June 01, 2005, 04:32:48 PM »

Sounds like you have been researching the gun. Good luck with your purchase Charles Daley has been around for many years. They did not have a combo when I was looking for mine.

Also, what is the warantee? I undersand Thompson offers a life time warranty on all guns the distribute.

Let us know what happens...

tatwell · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2005, 03:46:34 AM »

I did see on their site that they do have a lifetime warrantee, of course its only as good as the company and service that stands behind it. I did find on another forum some remarks that Sabatti products are not very good, but I haven't contacted the poster yet to see why they felt that way. I also found on one of the auction sites a used Daly o/u rifle in 30/06, i think the price was 1500, but I am not sure what grade it is. I am still looking into this, I wish there was one of these around that I could actually look at, I think then I could make up my mind about the quality. I would hate to spend 1500 or so on a Daly combo to find out that it's junk and be stuck with it. The combo gun is a limited market with not a lot to choose from, here in the states anyway. I'll let you know how things progress. What kind of combo gun do you have?

dougk · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2005, 04:15:05 AM »

I have a Baikal IZ-94, it is an ugly gun but perfect for the harsh Texas Hill Country. I did look at the CZ which was my first preference, but could not find one in a 30-06/12 ga. I also looked at a used Valmet or Tikka, but could not find one in a double trigger.

If you go with the Baikal/Spartan you can get a rifled choke to shot slugs and sabots. I do not know if you can get the rifled choke for the other manufacturers.

Doug

cazador viejo · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2005, 05:45:46 PM »

I tried to order a CZ from my local gun shop. They could not find one. While on a business trip to Alaska I found one in Great Northern Guns in Anchorage. I bought it and had it shipped to my dealer. As I recall price was around $900.00. It is a 30/06 12 ga combo. The rifle has a single set trigger. It is a great gun. This was two years ago. I returned to Anchorage a few months later and there was another one in the rack. Seems they had a good supply of them. If you want a CZ give Great Norhtern Guns a call. I do not have their number but information should be able to give it to you. I have no experience with the Charles Daley gun.