Published On: February 5, 2026
Updated: February 5, 2026
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The Adler AD500 is a no-nonsense semi-auto .308 built to stack fast follow-up shots without premium sticker shock. Six builds, hunt-ready, and priced for real buyers.
Meet the Adler AD500 .308: A Field-First Semi-Auto for Hunters
The Adler AD500 is a gas-operated .308 Winchester hunting rifle built for reliability and field performance rather than refinement. It pairs a traditional stock profile with a semi-automatic action and a 20-inch barrel, giving hunters fast follow-up shots without the cost of a premium autoloader.
Adler AD500 Options: Walnut, Synthetic, Cerakote, Nitride
The AD500 uses a 20-inch barrel with a 1:12 twist, optimized for common .308 hunting loads. Barrel construction is 4140 steel with a Melonite finish and Cerakote on the receiver. There are six different configurations with varying price points from about $650 to $900.
Stock options include walnut for hunters who prefer a classic look, synthetic for those who want better durability in harsh conditions, and camo synthetic, too. Weight stays in the 6.6 to 6.8 pound range, making the rifle light to carry but still heavy enough to manage recoil.
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Irons Ready, Optics Easy: Sights and Rail on the AD500
The rifle includes a fixed front sight, an adjustable rear sight that is often fiber optic, and a Picatinny rail on top of the receiver. It is immediately usable with irons, and optics mounting is simple and secure.
BAR Stand In or M1 Style Workhorse?
Like the Browning BAR, it is a semi-automatic .308. However, it lacks the century of refinement and war history the BAR brings along.
And while the build quality appears ok on the SHOT Show floor, it is no Browning. The Browning BAR is still the refined option in this category, with a smoother trigger, polished construction, and deep aftermarket support. The Adler AD500 does not compete on those terms.
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Instead, maybe it is more like an M1 Garand, a basic production semi-auto. It should be a blast for plinking and hopefully accurate enough for hunting, too. Its price point is certainly more attainable than either an M1a or a BAR.
Adler AD500 Key Specifications
| Model | Adler AD500 |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .308 Winchester |
| Action | Gas-operated semi-auto |
| Barrel | 20″, 4140 steel, Melonite finish |
| Twist Rate | 1:12 |
| Overall Length | ~42″ |
| Weight | ~6.6–6.8 lb |
| Receiver | 7075-T6 aluminum, Cerakote |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 / 5 / 10 rounds (proprietary) |
| Sights | Fixed front, adjustable fiber-optic rear |
| Optics Mount | Picatinny rail |
| Stock Options | Walnut or synthetic |
| MSRP | Approx. $650 to $900 |
Pros and Cons: Where the AD500 Wins and Where It Does Not
- Pros: Real semi-auto speed in .308, six configurations, usable irons and ready rail, manageable weight for the field, approachable price.
- Cons: Not as refined as a Browning BAR, proprietary mags, trigger, and finish feel more utilitarian than premium.
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Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work.
