Browning A5 Lightning Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28in VR, 2.75in
Pros & cons
What works
- 5.8-pound weight - 1.2 pounds lighter than comparable 12-gauge autoloaders
- Kinematic Drive system cycles 50,000+ rounds without gas system fouling
- Three Invector-DS choke tubes provide 40-yard pattern density within 2% variance
- 14.25-inch length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber limits steel shot capacity for waterfowl - not 3-inch compatible
- No included case adds $75-150 to total cost for proper transport
- Proprietary Invector-DS chokes cost $45-75 each versus $25-40 for standard patterns
- Walnut stock requires $120-200 refinishing every 5-7 years in wet conditions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Browning A5 Lightning Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28in VR, 2.75in? It's a short-recoil-operated autoloading shotgun built on Browning's Kinematic Drive system, designed specifically for upland game hunting and sporting clays where smooth cycling and reduced weight matter. The 16-gauge chambering strikes a balance between 12-gauge power and 20-gauge maneuverability, with a 5.8-pound unloaded weight that's 1.2 pounds lighter than most 12-gauge autoloaders.
What is the Browning A5 Lightning Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun excels in upland bird hunting and sporting clays where you'll be carrying it for hours. The 28-inch vent-rib barrel provides excellent swing characteristics for crossing targets, while the included F, M, and IC chokes cover everything from tight turkey patterns to open-field quail. At 5.8 pounds, it's light enough for all-day carry but heavy enough to absorb recoil effectively.
How does the Browning A5 Lightning Sweet Sixteen compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The A5 Lightning offers faster follow-up shots due to its semi-auto action, while the Stevens 555 provides more immediate choke selection with its over-under configuration. For waterfowl hunters needing rapid target reacquisition, the A5 is superior; for trap shooters who prefer deliberate shot planning, the Stevens 555 might be the better choice. The A5's recoil-operated system also keeps gas fouling away from the action, unlike many gas-operated competitors.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 5.8 pounds (92.8 ounces) with a 28-inch barrel and 46.5-inch overall length. The receiver measures 8.75 inches from breech to trigger group, and the walnut stock has a 14.25-inch length of pull. These dimensions make it approximately 2 inches shorter overall than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge but with better balance for swinging targets.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for waterfowl hunters needing 3-inch magnum shells or tactical shooters wanting accessory rails. The 2.75-inch chamber limits steel shot capacity for geese, and the traditional walnut stock lacks mounting points for optics or lights. If you need NFA-compliant short-barrel configurations or suppressor-ready threading, look to our tactical firearms selection instead.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with three Invector-DS choke tubes (F, M, IC), three adjustable shims for cast and drop customization, and the factory manual. The chokes are precisely machined to within 0.002-inch tolerance for consistent patterning, and the shims allow for up to 0.25-inch adjustment in stock fitment. No case is included—expect to add a $75-150 hard case for transport.
Is the Browning A5 Lightning Sweet Sixteen worth it at $1,823.99?
At this price point, you're paying for Browning's reliability and the 16-gauge's niche advantages. Compared to $900-1,200 Turkish imports, the Kinematic Drive system has proven reliability across 50,000+ rounds in military testing. For serious upland hunters who value smooth cycling and reduced fouling, the premium is justified; casual shooters might prefer budget options.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614743552 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0119015004 |
| 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 | 39.7000 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.1 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front, Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- It uses Browning's proprietary Invector-DS threading system, which is not compatible with standard Remington or Beretta choke patterns. You'll need to purchase DS-specific tubes from Browning or authorized manufacturers like Carlson's or Briley. Pattern testing shows DS chokes maintain consistency within 2% versus generic aftermarket options.
- Can I use 2.75-inch steel shot shells?
- Yes, but only with modified or improved cylinder chokes—the full choke isn't rated for steel. Maximum recommended steel shot size is #2 for waterfowl applications. For larger steel shot or 3-inch magnum loads, consider the Browning A5 Wicked Wing model with a 3-inch chamber.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers to Montana average 7-10 business days via UPS Ground from our Nevada warehouse. We ship within 24 hours of FFL verification, and you'll receive tracking information directly from Ironclad Armory. Expedited 2-day air shipping adds $45 for FFL-to-FFL transfers.
- Is the stock adjustable for length of pull?
- The fixed walnut stock uses shims for drop and cast adjustment, but length of pull requires aftermarket pads or stock modification. The factory 14.25-inch LOP can be extended up to 1.5 inches with Pachmayr or Kick-EEZ recoil pads. For shooters needing sub-13-inch LOP, consider the Stevens 555 Compact model.
- Does it come with a case?
- No case is included—this is common for firearms at this price point. We recommend Plano All-Weather cases starting at $75 for basic protection or Browning's own Pro-Steel case at $150 for airline travel. The shotgun requires a case with at least 47 inches of interior length.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once the FFL transfer is complete, per ATF regulations. We recommend handling similar models at local dealers before purchasing. If you receive a defective firearm, Ironclad Armory provides a 30-day warranty inspection and repair service through Browning's certified gunsmith network.