Briman---Sorry your buddy had such a bad experience. I also have shot a LOT of trap, and have shot and owned several Charles Daly O/U's.I have never had a bit of problems with any of them, and my current Superior Grade Broadway is deadly on doubles. It was mfg. by Miroku. I suppose, as with any thing else, you can get a lemon out of known good lines, or get a good one out of known lemon lines.
Would I buy another if the need ever came up? I would certainly give it close consideration.