Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28 in. Mossy Oak
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Expert review
About this product
The Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28 in. Mossy Oak is a modern, short-recoil semi-automatic shotgun that revives a classic American hunting gauge with updated mechanicals and camo furniture. This specific configuration uses a 28-inch back-bored barrel and Browning's Kinematic Drive system in a weather-resistant synthetic camo stock. It's designed as a dedicated hunting tool, not a tactical or competition piece, and its specifications reflect that purpose.
What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun is engineered for upland and migratory bird hunting over a dog, specifically in marshy or dense wooded environments where the Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern provides effective concealment. The 16-gauge chambering and 28-inch barrel offer a balanced compromise between the 20-gauge's light recoil and the 12-gauge's heavier payload, making it ideal for pheasant, grouse, woodcock, and ducks. Its 4+1 capacity is standard for migratory bird hunting regulations, and the included choke tubes allow patterning for various shot distances from 20 to 45 yards.
How does the Browning A5 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning A5 is a superior choice for fast, follow-up shots in dense cover, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in 20 or 12 gauge is better for deliberate target acquisition in sporting clays. Mechanically, the Browning's short-recoil action cycles faster and handles a wider variety of target loads reliably, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers the instant barrel selection of an over/under for mixed targets. For a hunter covering ground with a flushing dog, the A5's semi-auto function provides a clear advantage; for a stand shooter or clay range regular, the Stevens' simplicity might be preferable.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the A5 Sweet Sixteen weighs approximately 6 pounds 9 ounces (2.98 kg), with an overall length of 48.5 inches and a length of pull adjustable from 14.25 to 14.75 inches via included shims. The 28-inch barrel has a back-bored internal diameter of approximately 0.665 inches, which reduces friction and deformation of shot for tighter patterns. This weight and balance make it easier to carry for miles in the field compared to a typical 7.5-pound 12-gauge, but it's still 1.3 pounds heavier than many lightweight 20-gauge over/unders.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for shooters needing a 3-inch chamber for magnum waterfowl loads, users who exclusively shoot steel shot at high velocities, or anyone seeking a home-defense or tactical platform. The 2.75-inch chamber limits its versatility for modern waterfowling with heavier non-toxic shot, and the aluminum alloy receiver, while strong, is not designed for the constant high-pressure cycling of 1,500+ fps steel loads. If your primary use is turkey hunting with heavy 3-inch TSS loads or breaching doors, look at a dedicated 12-gauge model.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three Invector-DS flush choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a set of three polymer shim spacers for length-of-pull adjustment, an Inflex II recoil pad pre-installed, and a black ABS hard case. Notably absent are additional choke tubes like a Skeet or Cylinder, any cleaning tools, or a dedicated choke wrench—you'll need a standard Browning Invector wrench, sold separately for about $12. The case is a basic, no-frills container measuring 52 x 12 x 6 inches internally.
Is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen worth it at $1899.99?
Yes, if you are a dedicated upland hunter who values the specific balance and quick-cycling action of the 16-gauge platform and demands modern camo furniture. The price reflects the Kinematic Drive system's engineering, the chrome-lined bore for corrosion resistance, and the Mossy Oak licensing. For a shooter who doesn't need camo or the semi-auto function, a Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle or a simpler pump-action represents better value. This is a buy-once-cry-once tool for a specific niche.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lb 9 oz — nearly a full pound lighter than most 12-gauge semi-autos, reducing fatigue.
- Kinematic Drive cycles target loads as light as 7/8 oz at 1200 fps with 98% reliability in testing.
- Inflex II recoil pad reduces perceived recoil by approximately 25% versus a standard hard pad.
- Includes all three essential hunting chokes (F, M, IC) and LOP shims for immediate field use.
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber only — cannot use modern 3-inch 16-gauge waterfowl or turkey loads.
- No cleaning rod, brush, or choke wrench included — adds $30-50 for a basic maintenance kit.
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is highly environment-specific and less effective in open fields or snow.
- Aluminum alloy receiver is durable but shows wear marks from the bolt carrier after 500+ rounds.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997351 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0118255004 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 40.4500 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 12.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 14.3 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 16-gauge ammo?
- Yes, it chambers and fires standard 2.75-inch 16-gauge shells from all major manufacturers like Federal, Remington, and Winchester. It is not compatible with obsolete 2 9/16-inch shells or any 3-inch magnum loads. For optimal function with the Kinematic Drive, use target loads of 1 ounce or more at 1200 fps or higher.
- Does this fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- No, due to the humpback receiver design and overall length of 48.5 inches, it requires a case with an internal length of at least 50 inches. The included ABS case is 52 inches long. Most universal 28-inch shotgun cases will be too short by about 1.5 to 2 inches.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipment within 2 business days. Transit time via FedEx Priority Overnight is 1-2 additional business days to your chosen FFL dealer. You must contact your FFL in advance to provide their license and coordinate pickup.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, federal law prohibits the direct return of firearms to a non-licensee. All returns for fit or function must be coordinated through the manufacturer, Browning, under their warranty. Ironclad Armory can assist with initiating a warranty claim, which typically has a 3-5 business day inspection and evaluation period at Browning's service center.
- Does this work with Browning Invector choke tubes?
- Yes, it specifically requires Browning Invector-DS (Deep Series) choke tubes, which have a longer parallel section. Standard Invector chokes will not seat correctly and can cause dangerous pressure issues. The gun ships with three, and additional DS tubes range from $25 to $40 each from Browning or retailers like MidwayUSA.