Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 26 inch
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About this product
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 26 inch?
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge is a semi-automatic shotgun built on Browning's classic humpback receiver, engineered specifically to deliver the balanced handling and reduced recoil impulse of the 16-gauge platform in a durable, field-ready configuration. It employs the Kinematic Drive System, Browning's short-recoil operating mechanism originally designed by John M. Browning, which provides reliable cycling with a wide spectrum of 2.75-inch target and field loads. The 26-inch, back-bored barrel paired with a 16-gauge bore diameter of 0.662 inches offers a distinct ballistic profile between the ubiquitous 12-gauge and the lighter 20-gauge.
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun is engineered for upland and migratory bird hunting where a lightweight, fast-handling firearm is paramount. The 16-gauge chambering and 6.12-pound weight make it ideal for traversing dense cover for grouse or woodcock, offering a decisive ballistic advantage over a 20-gauge at typical upland ranges while reducing shooter fatigue compared to a standard 12-gauge. The Burnt Bronze Cerakote and Mossy Oak Bottomland finishes provide corrosion resistance and effective camouflage for wet field conditions, while the oversized bolt release facilitates glove-friendly operation.
How does the Browning A5 Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning A5 is a superior choice for dynamic, rapid-follow-up shot scenarios, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge provides a more deliberate, traditional break-action experience. The A5's semi-automatic action and 4+1 capacity offer a faster practical rate of fire for flushing birds, whereas the Stevens 555 is better suited for controlled, single-target presentations like sporting clays. Mechanically, the Browning's short-recoil system is more complex but proven, while the Stevens' break-action is simpler and allows immediate visual confirmation of an empty chamber.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 6.12 pounds (2.78 kg), with an overall length of 46.5 inches and a 26-inch barrel featuring a 0.735-inch back-bored diameter at the muzzle. The receiver height from the top of the stock comb to the bottom of the trigger guard is 3.25 inches, contributing to the low-profile "humpback" silhouette that facilitates a consistent cheek weld. The 14.25-inch length of pull and textured composite stock provide a stable shooting platform, though shooters with significantly longer or shorter arms may require aftermarket spacers.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for budget-conscious shooters, waterfowl hunters requiring a 3-inch chamber for heavy non-toxic loads, or those seeking a dedicated home-defense firearm. At $2,099.99, it commands a premium over entry-level semi-automatics like Turkish imports. The 2.75-inch-only chamber restricts its use for modern waterfowl hunting where 3-inch steel shot is standard. For a dedicated home-defense role, the 26-inch barrel is excessively long for indoor maneuvering; a dedicated firearm configured for that purpose would be more appropriate.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three Invector-DS extended choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and the factory owner's manual. The chokes are constructed from stainless steel, thread into the barrel with 20 threads per inch, and extend approximately 0.75 inches beyond the muzzle to protect the barrel crown. Notably absent is a hard case; the firearm ships in a cardboard carton with foam padding, so purchasers should budget for a $75-$200 hard case for transport and storage.
Is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing worth it at $2099.99?
Yes, for the hunter who specifically values the 16-gauge's ballistic niche and Browning's refined, durable construction, it justifies its price. The investment covers the Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish (a $200-300 aftermarket application), the proprietary Kinematic Drive System, and the fitment of a scaled-down receiver to the 16-gauge frame. For a shooter who would be equally served by a 12 or 20-gauge, a standard Browning A5 or a Beretta A300 Ultima at nearly half the price represents a more pragmatic financial decision.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.12 lbs — over half a pound lighter than a standard 12-gauge A5 with the same barrel length.
- Includes three Invector-DS choke tubes (IC, M, F) valued at $35-45 each if purchased separately.
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish provides superior corrosion resistance over standard bluing, with a tested 500-hour salt spray rating.
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber only — incompatible with modern 3-inch waterfowl and turkey loads, limiting its utility.
- No included hard case — requires an additional $75+ investment for proper transport.
- Premium price point — approximately $800 more than a Stevens 555 O/U in a similar gauge.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997269 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0118475005 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.2 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Browning A5 chokes?
- No, it requires Browning's specific Invector-DS choke tubes due to its back-bored barrel design. The threading and internal cone geometry are proprietary to the DS system. Standard Invector or Invector-Plus tubes from other Browning models will not seat properly and present a safety hazard.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 46.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most standard takedown cases with room to spare. For optimal protection of the Cerakote finish, we recommend a case with a minimum internal length of 48 inches and plush lining, such as those from Plano All-Weather or Savior Equipment.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 2-3 business days from order verification. Transit time via our carrier partners adds another 32-5 business days for continental US delivery. The FFL holder will contact you upon receipt, and you must complete the ATF Form 4473 background check in person before taking possession.
- Can I return it if it has a mechanical issue?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return period for defective items, verified by our in-house armorers. Firearms with evidence of unauthorized modification, finish wear from handling, or damage from use are not eligible. All returns must be initiated through our tracked RMA process and shipped by the customer to an FFL holder for transfer back to us.