Description
Picture this: you’re walking a brushy fence line on a Missouri farm, or maybe you’re teaching a young shooter the fundamentals. You need something that’s light, manageable, and just plain fun. That’s the exact scenario where I found myself reaching for the Century Adler A100 Lever Shotgun 410 Ga, 20″ Barrel, Walnut, Brass Front Sight, 5rd. It’s not a tactical monster or a competition rig—it’s a classic, straightforward lever-action shotgun built for practical recreation and light-duty work.
Here’s the direct answer capsule: The Century Adler A100 is a Turkish-made, lever-action shotgun chambered in .410 bore. It features a 20-inch barrel, a traditional walnut stock, a brass bead front sight, and a 5-round tubular magazine. Priced at $375.52, it’s an affordable and nostalgic option for plinking, small game, and introducing new shooters to the mechanics of a lever gun.
I’ve put a few boxes of 2.5″ target loads through this one, and the first thing that strikes you is the feel. The walnut has a decent, honest finish—it’s not exhibition-grade, but it’s solid and looks right. That 20-inch barrel keeps the overall length down to a handy 39.5 inches, making it easy to swing through a thicket or carry all day. The lever throw is smooth after a brief break-in period, and the action locks up tight. Here’s the thing—it’s a simple, robust design that works. No gunsmithing required to get it running; it was drop-in ready from the case. The brass front sight is a nice, classic touch that picks up light well against a dark target.
Key Features & Handling
The heart of the A100 is its lever action. It cycles reliably with standard .410 shells, from light target loads to 3″ magnums. The tubular magazine holds five 2.5″ shells, or four if you’re using the longer 3″ ammunition. Loading is done through a port on the right side of the magazine tube, which is a bit more traditional than a loading gate. The cross-bolt safety is located just behind the trigger, and it’s positive and easy to operate. The overall weight is a featherlight 5.5 pounds, which is a huge plus for younger or smaller-framed shooters. Recoil with .410 is minimal to begin with, and this gun makes it downright pleasant.
Specs & Details
| Caliber: | .410 Gauge (3″ chamber) |
| Barrel Length: | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 39.5 Inches |
| Weight: | 5.5 lbs (approx.) |
| Capacity: | 5+1 Rounds (2.5″ shells) |
| Sights: | Brass Bead Front |
Pros & Cons
On the plus side, you get undeniable nostalgia and fun factor in a very manageable package. The .410 chambering is perfect for beginners, and the light weight makes it a joy to carry. The price point is accessible, and the walnut and brass give it a look that stands out from a rack of synthetic stocks. It’s also compatible with a wide range of .410 ammunition from brands like Federal, Winchester, and Remington.
On the downside, it’s a .410—so its effective range and power are limited compared to 20 or 12 gauges. The action, while smooth, isn’t quite as buttery as a vintage Winchester. The finish on the metal is utilitarian, meant for use, not for show. That said, for its intended role, these aren’t deal-breakers.
Who It’s For
This is the gun for the mentor taking a kid out for their first squirrel hunt. It’s for the homesteader who needs a quiet, low-recoil option for dispatching pests around the coop. It’s for the shooter who appreciates the timeless mechanics of a lever action and wants something different for the clay range. If you’re looking for a serious waterfowl or deer slug gun, you’ll need more horsepower. But for pure, grin-inducing fun and practical light work, the Adler A100 delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun shoot 3-inch magnum .410 shells?
A: Yes, the chamber is rated for 3″ .410 shells. Just remember that when using 3″ shells, the tubular magazine capacity is reduced by one round compared to 2.5″ shells.
Q: Is the sight adjustable?
A: The brass bead front sight is fixed, not adjustable. For a gun like this, intended for short-range work, it’s perfectly adequate. The bead provides a quick, intuitive aiming point.
Q: How does the lever action compare to a pump?
A: It’s a different manual of arms. A lever requires a more pronounced rolling motion of the hand versus the straight back-and-forth of a pump. Some find it more ergonomic, especially from a rested position. It’s inherently a bit slower than a practiced pump stroke, but it’s incredibly reliable and adds a huge dose of classic cool. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, as with all guns.
If the idea of a lightweight, classic-styled lever gun in a gentle caliber speaks to you, the Adler A100 is worth a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states. See the full details on our site.
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