Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16ga 28″ 2.75″ Black/Walnut
About this product
What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16ga 28″ 2.75″ Black/Walnut? It's a modern semi-automatic shotgun engineered with Browning's short-recoil Kinematic Drive System for reliable cycling and reduced felt recoil. This specific configuration features a 28-inch barrel and classic humpback receiver design optimized for field hunting and sporting clays. Chambered exclusively for 2.75-inch 16-gauge shells, it bridges the gap between 12-gauge power and 20-gauge handling.
What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen used for?
The A5 Sweet Sixteen excels at upland bird hunting and sporting clays where fast follow-up shots matter. Its 4+1 capacity handles most field scenarios without excessive weight, while the 28-inch barrel provides excellent swing dynamics for moving targets. The 16-gauge chambering offers ballistic performance closer to 12-gauge than 20-gauge, making it particularly effective on pheasant and grouse.
How does the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Browning A5 outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge in rapid follow-up capability due to its semi-automatic action versus the over-under's two-shot limitation. However, the Stevens provides immediate barrel selection with its dual-choke system, making it better for shooters who need instant pattern changes. The Browning's aluminum receiver also contributes to its lighter overall handling weight of 6.9 pounds versus the Stevens' 7.4 pounds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.9 pounds with an overall length of 48.5 inches. The 28-inch barrel provides a 14.25-inch length of pull that fits most adult shooters without modification. The aluminum receiver contributes significantly to the balanced weight distribution, making it feel lighter than many comparable 12-gauge autoloaders during extended carrying.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for waterfowl hunters needing 3-inch magnum shells or tactical users requiring high-capacity magazines. The 2.75-inch chamber limits its versatility compared to modern 3-inch chambered shotguns, and the 4+1 capacity falls short for defensive applications. Competitive trap shooters might also prefer dedicated target guns with longer barrels and specialized stocks.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with three Invector-DS flush chokes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a trigger lock, and owner's manual. The chokes install without tools using Browning's quarter-turn system, and the fiber optic front sight comes pre-installed. Missing are aftermarket accessories like sling swivels or additional choke tubes beyond the basic three-pattern set.
Is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen worth it at $1,830.99?
At this price point, the A5 Sweet Sixteen justifies its cost through superior fitment and mechanical refinement compared to budget alternatives. The Turkish walnut stock shows better figure and finish than the wood on the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, and the Kinematic Drive System offers more consistent cycling than gas-operated competitors. For shooters valuing heritage design with modern reliability, the investment pays dividends in long-term satisfaction.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.9 pounds — 0.5 pounds lighter than comparable 12-gauge autoloaders
- Kinematic Drive System cycles 1-1/8 oz target loads to 1-1/4 oz field loads without adjustment
- Turkish walnut stock features 20-line-per-inch checkering for secure grip
- 28-inch barrel provides 48.5-inch sight plane for smooth target tracking
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber limits shell selection compared to modern 3-inch chambers
- No sling swivel studs pre-installed — requires aftermarket installation for field carry
- Polished receiver shows fingerprints and handling marks more than matte finishes
- Limited to 4+1 capacity — lower than many modern sporting shotguns
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614439585 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0118005004 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | High Gloss Black |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.8000 |
| model | A5 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 14.1 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 3-inch shells?
- No, the A5 Sweet Sixteen is chambered exclusively for 2.75-inch shells. Attempting to fire 3-inch ammunition could cause dangerous pressure issues. Always verify chamber markings before loading any shotgun.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket chokes?
- Yes, it uses Browning's Invector-DS choke threading system. Compatible chokes are available from multiple manufacturers including Briley and Carlson's. The factory includes Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder tubes.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days with FedEx Ground shipping taking 3-7 additional days. Firearms require FFL transfer, so your receiving dealer must have current licensing on file.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend verifying dimensions and handling similar models at local dealers before purchase. The 14.25-inch length of pull suits most average-sized shooters.