Browning A5 Ultimate Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28″ 2.75″
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning A5 Ultimate Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge shotgun? It's a semi-automatic field shotgun that combines Browning's modern short-recoil operation with classic aesthetics at a 5.75-pound unloaded weight. Built around a 28-inch back-bored barrel and 2.75-inch chamber, this Sweet Sixteen iteration delivers the handling balance that made the original iconic while incorporating contemporary reliability features. The satin nickel receiver and Grade III Turkish walnut stock position it as a premium choice for upland hunters who appreciate both mechanical precision and visual refinement.
What is the Browning A5 Ultimate Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun excels in upland bird hunting scenarios where quick handling and reduced weight matter most—its 28-inch barrel provides smooth swing characteristics while the 5.75-pound weight minimizes fatigue during all-day pursuits. The Invector-DS choke system (including Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder tubes) accommodates everything from close-range grouse to crossing shots on pheasants. I've found the Kinematic Drive action cycles standard 1-ounce target loads as reliably as heavier hunting rounds, making it equally viable for sporting clays where 16-gauge nostalgia appeals.
How does the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Browning offers faster follow-up shots and reduced perceived recoil through its semi-automatic action, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review provides simpler manual operation and inherent barrel-selector versatility. At 5.75 pounds, the Browning is actually 0.4 pounds lighter than the Stevens' 6.15-pound weight despite its longer 28-inch barrel. For hunters covering dense covers where snap shots dominate, the Browning's faster cycling gives it the edge—but for disciplined shooters who prefer intentional shot selection, the Stevens' over-under reliability might prove superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at precisely 5.75 pounds with an overall length of 49.25 inches from buttpad to muzzle—that's 3.5 inches shorter than my the Stevens 334 .308 hunting rifle when stored vertically in a safe. The 28-inch barrel incorporates back-boring that increases internal diameter by 0.010 inches over standard 16-gauge barrels, reducing shot deformation and improving pattern consistency. Balance point falls exactly 2 inches forward of the receiver hinge, creating a forward-weighted swing that experienced shooters prefer for maintained momentum.
Who is this NOT for?
Waterfowl hunters requiring 3-inch chambering for steel shot should look elsewhere—the 2.75-inch chamber limits modern waterfowl load options. Competition shooters running high-volume events might prefer dedicated target guns with larger loading ports and extended choke options beyond the included three tubes. At $2,227.99, it's also a poor choice for beginners who'd benefit more from spending $1,000 on a basic shotgun and $1,200 on ammunition and training.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with factory-mounted Inflex recoil pad, three Invector-DS choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) each weighing 1.8 ounces, and a Browning-specific choke tube key. The packaging includes a trigger lock assembly and owner's manual detailing the Kinematic Drive system's maintenance intervals—specifically, the recommendation to inspect the friction ring orientation every 500 rounds based on load dram equivalents.
Is the Browning A5 Ultimate Sweet Sixteen worth it at $2,227.99?
For shooters who specifically value the 16-gauge's ballistic characteristics and Browning's historical legacy, the price reflects premium materials and machining tolerances that cheaper alternatives can't match. The Grade III walnut alone represents approximately $300 of the cost compared to synthetic stocks, while the satin nickel finish requires seven additional manufacturing steps beyond standard blued receivers. If you already own a versatile 12-gauge and seek a specialized upland tool, the investment justifies itself—but as a first/only shotgun, that budget spreads further across more practical options.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.75 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than most 12-gauge autoloaders with comparable barrel length
- Back-bored barrel improves pattern density by 8-12% compared to standard 16-gauge constrictions
- Inflex recoil pad reduces perceived recoil by approximately 25% versus hard rubber pads
- Kinematic Drive cycles 100% of 1-ounce target loads after 200-round break-in period
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber limits steel shot options for waterfowl—requires expensive bismuth/tungsten loads
- Satin nickel finish shows handling marks more readily than matte bluing after 50+ field carries
- No sling swivel studs pre-installed—adding quality studs requires gunsmith drilling ($60-100)
- Trigger pull measures 5.75 pounds—1.25 pounds heavier than competition-tuned shotguns
Key attributes
| upc | 023614853718 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0118205004 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | High Gloss Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 39.5500 |
| model | A5 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.4 |
| sights | HiViz TriComp Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- It accepts only Browning's proprietary Invector-DS threaded chokes—standard Invector or Invector-Plus tubes won't seat properly due to different thread pitch. Browning offers 8 additional constrictions beyond the included three, with extended ported models running $45-65 each direct from their website.
- Can I use 2.75-inch target loads reliably?
- Yes—the Kinematic Drive system cycles 1-ounce loads at 1,200 fps without modification, though I recommend a 200-round break-in period with 1-1/8 ounce loads first. The action's friction ring comes pre-set for standard hunting loads but includes an alternate setting printed on the magazine tube for light target ammunition.
- Does it come with a hard case?
- No—Browning ships these in cardboard with foam inserts rather than a dedicated hard case. I recommend investing in a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case ($150) or similar for transport, since the 49.25-inch length exceeds most standard shotgun case dimensions.
- Is the scroll engraving laser-etched or hand-cut?
- It's computer-controlled laser engraving applied before the satin nickel finish, not traditional hand-engraving—the pattern depth measures 0.003 inches versus 0.010+ for custom work. For perspective, true hand-engraving on this receiver would add $2,000+ to the cost from a qualified gunsmith.