Century Arms Centurion A4 12 GA Semi-Auto Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Accepts both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells through 5-round detachable magazine
- Ghost-ring sights provide rapid acquisition at defensive distances of 7-25 yards
- Semi-automatic action cycles reliably after 200-round break-in period
- 10.2-pound weight manages 12-gauge recoil effectively during rapid strings
Trade-offs
- No choke tube system included - limited to cylinder bore patterning
- Proprietary magazines cost $35-45 each versus $15-20 for Mossberg tubes
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable length of pull or comb height options
- 18.5-inch barrel limits effectiveness beyond 40 yards compared to 28-inch hunting barrels
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Century Arms Centurion A4 is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built for tactical applications with a detachable magazine system weighing 10.2 pounds and measuring 40.5 inches overall length. This Turkish-made platform accepts both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells through its 5-round box magazine, offering a reliable alternative to tube-fed designs for shooters needing rapid reload capability. The synthetic-stocked shotgun features ghost-ring sights and a utilitarian profile that prioritizes function over aesthetics.
What is the Century Arms Centurion A4 used for?
The Centurion A4 serves primarily as a tactical and defensive shotgun suitable for three-gun competition, home defense, and law enforcement training applications. Its 5-round detachable magazine allows for faster reloads than traditional tube-fed shotguns, shaving approximately 2-3 seconds off reload times during drills. The ghost-ring sight system provides rapid target acquisition at defensive distances of 7-25 yards.
How does the Century Arms Centurion A4 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Centurion A4 offers faster follow-up shots and higher ammunition capacity than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, making it superior for tactical scenarios requiring rapid engagement. While the Stevens provides better patterning consistency for clay sports with its dual barrel system, the Century's semi-automatic action and 5-round magazine capacity make it distinctly better for defensive applications. The Century weighs 10.2 pounds compared to the Stevens' 7.8 pounds, reflecting its heavier-duty construction.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Centurion A4 weighs 10.2 pounds with an empty magazine and measures 40.5 inches in overall length with an 18.5-inch barrel. The receiver width spans 1.8 inches at its widest point, while the synthetic stock adds 14 inches of length of pull. These dimensions create a balanced platform that manages 12-gauge recoil effectively while remaining maneuverable in tight spaces.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not ideal for traditional wing shooting or hunters requiring lightweight portability over long distances. The 10.2-pound weight becomes noticeable after carrying it for more than 30 minutes across uneven terrain, and the tactical stock configuration lacks the ergonomic shaping of dedicated hunting shotguns. Competition shooters focused exclusively on clay sports would be better served by the the Stevens 334 Rifle platform or dedicated over/under designs.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with one 5-round detachable magazine, a basic cleaning rod, and manufacturer documentation outlining warranty and maintenance procedures. Unlike some competitors, Century Arms does not include additional choke tubes or magazine pouches, keeping the base price at $339.99 while leaving accessory selection to the end user.
Is the Century Arms Centurion A4 worth it at $339.99?
At $339.99, the Centurion A4 represents solid value for shooters needing a reliable magazine-fed 12-gauge for tactical applications. The price positions it approximately $200 below comparable AR-style shotguns while providing similar functionality for home defense and competition use. Budget-conscious buyers get a serviceable platform that cycles reliably with both light target loads and defensive ammunition after the initial 200-round break-in period.
Key attributes
| upc | 787450929807 |
| manufacturer | Century Arms |
| manufacturer part number | SG8871-N |
| barrel length | 20" |
| capacity | 5 |
| safety | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket magazine extensions?
- The Centurion A4 accepts proprietary magazines only, with no factory-supported extension options currently available from Century Arms. Aftermarket companies like ProMag offer 10-round magazines that function reliably after proper fitting. Standardization across the platform means all magazines maintain consistent 2.75-inch width dimensions.
- Can I use slugs with the fixed choke?
- The cylinder-bore choke handles rifled slugs effectively at distances up to 50 yards with 2-3 inch groups typical from a supported position. For precision slug work beyond 75 yards, I recommend installing an aftermarket choke tube system from Carlson's or Briley. Always verify bore clearance with each slug type before full-range testing.
- How long does shipping take for online orders?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 24 business hours, with ground shipping typically adding 3-5 days depending on your location relative to our Bozeman facility. We coordinate directly with your selected FFL holder to ensure smooth transfer completion. Rural deliveries may require additional 2-3 days for final leg transport.
- Does it include a cable lock or case?
- The Centurion A4 ships with a basic trigger lock but does not include a hard case or storage solution. I recommend investing in a Plano All-Weather case ($45-60) for transport and long-term storage. The shotgun's 40.5-inch length requires a 42-inch minimum case interior dimension for proper fitment.