Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28in
About this product
Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28in
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28in?
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28in is a semi-automatic 16-gauge shotgun built for waterfowl and upland hunting, featuring a short-recoil operating system and a durable Cerakote Burnt Bronze and Mossy Oak Bottomland finish. This model revives the classic 16-gauge in a modern, field-ready package designed for shooters who prioritize a balance of lightweight handling and effective range. It represents Browning's commitment to updating a historically versatile gauge with contemporary materials and mechanical refinements like the Kinematic Drive System.
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun is engineered for waterfowl and upland bird hunting over decoys or in tight-cover scenarios. The 16-gauge offers a ballistic sweet spot between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge, delivering effective patterns with less felt recoil – approximately 15% less than a comparable 12-gauge load. The 28-inch back-bored barrel and Invector-DS choke system (F, M, IC included) provide consistent patterning from 20 to 45 yards, making it ideal for ducks over timber or pheasants in CRP fields. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and Cerakote finishes are specifically for concealment in marsh and wood-edge environments.
How does the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Browning A5 is a better choice for high-volume, fast-follow-up shooting in wet conditions, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge excels at deliberate, two-shot target or game presentations. The Browning's semi-auto action, aided by the Inflex Technology recoil pad, reduces perceived recoil by roughly 20% compared to the over-under's fixed geometry, allowing for more comfortable extended sessions. However, the Stevens offers instant barrel selection and traditional aesthetics the synthetic-stocked Browning lacks.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen weighs 6 pounds 9 ounces (2,977 grams), with an overall length of 48.75 inches and a length of pull measuring 14.5 inches. The 28-inch barrel has a back-bored internal diameter of .740 inches, which is .020 inches over standard, to reduce pellet deformation and improve pattern density. This weight distribution yields a swing weight of approximately 42.7 oz-in², contributing to its quick, natural pointability in the field.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for budget-conscious shooters, high-volume clay target competitors, or hunters who require 3-inch magnum chambering. At $2,099.99, it's a premium investment in a specific 16-gauge platform, where a more versatile 12-gauge like the Stevens 334 Rifle in a different discipline might offer more utility per dollar. The fixed 2.75-inch chamber limits its use for modern steel-shot waterfowl loads that often perform better in longer 3-inch shells, and the synthetic stock lacks the adjustability serious clay shooters demand.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Invector-DS Extended Goose Band choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, a custom hard case, a trigger lock, and the owner's manual. The chokes are precisely machined from 17-4 stainless steel and are 1.5 inches long for easy hand-tightening and removal. The hard case is a Plano All-Weather case with pressure-release valves and four locking points, providing adequate protection for transport but not TSA-approved airline travel.
Is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen worth it at $2,099.99?
It is worth the price if you are a dedicated 16-gauge enthusiast or a waterfowler seeking a lightweight, reliable semi-auto with superior corrosion protection. You are paying for Browning's Kinematic Drive short-recoil system – a mechanically simple, inertia-driven action with only three moving parts in the trigger group – and the military-grade Cerakote finish that provides 500+ hours of salt spray resistance. If your needs are more general-purpose, a standard 12-gauge A5 or a Turkish-made semi-auto can perform 90% of the same tasks for $600-$800 less.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs 9 oz – nearly 1.5 lbs lighter than a comparable 12-gauge A5
- Cerakote finish provides 500+ hour salt spray corrosion resistance
- Kinematic Drive system cycles reliably with only a 3-part trigger group
- Includes three 17-4 stainless choke tubes (F, M, IC) valued at $120 separately
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber only – cannot use modern 3-inch 16-gauge steel shot loads
- Fixed synthetic stock lacks comb height or length of pull adjustability
- Proprietary Invector-DS chokes limit aftermarket patterning options
- High gloss fiber optic front sight can glare in bright sun without a hood
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997276 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0118475004 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 40.0500 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| 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 16-gauge ammo?
- It is compatible with all standard 2.75-inch 16-gauge ammunition, including lead, steel, bismuth, and Hevi-Shot. The Kinematic Drive system is tuned from the factory to cycle loads from 1 ounce (7/8 oz dram equivalent) up to 1-1/8 ounce field loads without adjustment. For optimal reliability, I recommend breaking it in with a minimum of 50 rounds of 1-1/16 oz loads at 1250 fps before using lighter reloads.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- No, due to its overall length of 48.75 inches, it requires a case with an internal dimension of at least 50 inches. The included Plano All-Weather case measures 52.5 x 12 x 5 inches internally. Most universal 28-inch shotgun cases are designed for break-actions or pump guns with shorter receivers and will not accommodate this semi-auto's longer action body.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 2-3 business days from order verification, with transit time of 3-5 additional business days via FedEx Ground. All shipments require a signed copy of the receiving FFL's license on file with Ironclad Armory before the package is released. You will receive the FedEx tracking number and your FFL's contact information within 24 hours of shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are not accepted on firearms after transfer to your FFL due to federal regulations and our 'Online Only' policy. You must inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the 4473 form. If there is a verifiable manufacturer defect, we will initiate a direct warranty repair or replacement with Browning, which typically has a 10-15 business day turnaround from their Arnold, Missouri service center.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke tube?
- It works only with Browning Invector-DS (Deep Suppression) threads, which are not compatible with standard Invector, Invector-Plus, or aftermarket Carlson's tubes. The Invector-DS system uses a unique thread pitch and extended length to manage pressure and reduce recoil. Aftermarket options are limited; Briley Manufacturing offers custom-tuned tubes for this system starting at $89 each, with a 4-6 week lead time.