Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28-inch
About this product
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28-inch? It's a purpose-built 16-gauge semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for waterfowl hunting, featuring Browning's short-recoil Kinematic Drive System in a reduced-size Sweet Sixteen receiver for quicker handling and reliable cycling. This platform bridges the gap between 12-gauge power and 20-gauge handling, offering a unique ballistic profile that experienced hunters appreciate for its balance of payload and manageable recoil. The firearm's tactical advantages include a 28-inch back-bored barrel with vent rib and Burnt Bronze Cerakote metal finish paired with Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat synthetic stock for maximum field durability and concealment.
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun is specifically engineered for waterfowl hunting, particularly ducks and geese in marsh and field environments. The 16-gauge chambering delivers effective knockdown power at typical waterfowl ranges of 35-45 yards while maintaining quicker swing characteristics than bulkier 12-gauge platforms. With its 4+1 capacity and extended Invector-DS choke system, it handles everything from early-season teal to late-season Canadian geese with reliable cycling across light 1-ounce loads to heavy 1-1/4 ounce magnums.
How does the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Browning A5 delivers faster follow-up shots with its semi-automatic action versus the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting. While the Stevens offers the reliability of a break-action design, the Browning's Kinematic Drive System provides 0.3-second faster target reacquisition for multiple-bird scenarios, though it requires more thorough cleaning maintenance. For waterfowl hunting where rapid successive shots are critical, the Browning's 4+1 capacity and auto-loading action provide a clear tactical advantage over the two-shot limitation of the Stevens platform featured in our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U lineup.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen weighs 6 pounds, 14 ounces with an overall length of 48.5 inches and length of pull adjustable between 14-1/4 and 14-3/4 inches using included spacers. The 28-inch back-bored barrel features a 0.665-inch diameter at the muzzle end, specifically engineered to improve patterns with modern shot shells while reducing perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard barrel configurations.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for budget-conscious shooters or those requiring maximum shell versatility. At $2,099.99, it commands a premium over entry-level alternatives, and its 2.75-inch chamber limitation excludes 3-inch magnum shells that some hunters prefer for extreme-range waterfowl. Additionally, the 16-gauge niche means ammunition availability can be more limited than 12 or 20-gauge options, particularly in rural areas where shelf space prioritizes more common chamberings.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete shotgun with three Invector-DS choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full) featuring extended goose bands for easy field adjustment, plus 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch recoil pad spacers for length-of-pull customization. Browning includes a comprehensive owner's manual with detailed disassembly instructions for the Kinematic Drive System, though notably absent are any cleaning supplies or additional accessories that competitors sometimes bundle at this price point.
Is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen worth it at $2,099.99?
For dedicated waterfowl hunters who specifically prefer the 16-gauge ballistic profile, the premium is justified by the refined handling characteristics and Browning's proven reliability. The investment delivers tangible returns in the field through faster target transitions and reduced shooter fatigue during all-day hunts, though more versatile hunters might prefer our Stevens 334 Rifle platform for multi-species adaptability. The combination of specialized engineering and premium finishes positions this as a long-term investment rather than an entry-level tool.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 pounds 14 ounces - 1.3 pounds lighter than comparable 12-gauge waterfowl guns
- Kinematic Drive System cycles reliably with loads from 1 ounce to 1-1/4 ounce - 40% wider range than many competitors
- Includes 3 Invector-DS choke tubes with extended bands for tool-free field adjustments
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish provides 5x better corrosion resistance than traditional bluing
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber only - excludes popular 3-inch magnum waterfowl loads
- 16-gauge ammunition costs average $2-3 more per box than 12-gauge equivalents
- Synthetic stock lacks the vibration dampening of premium walnut options
- Requires detailed cleaning every 500 rounds to maintain Kinematic Drive reliability
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997252 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0119005004 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 39.7500 |
| 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 |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically engineered for 2.75-inch shells only. Browning designed the Sweet Sixteen platform around standard-length ammunition to optimize the Kinematic Drive System's cycling reliability. Attempting to force 3-inch shells could damage the action and void the manufacturer's warranty.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it accepts any Invector-DS pattern choke tubes from manufacturers like Carlson's, Patternmaster, or Briley. The threading pattern is identical to Browning's 12-gauge Invector-Plus system but scaled for the 16-gauge bore diameter. Proper installation requires tightening to 15-18 foot-pounds of torque for optimal pattern consistency.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearm shipments typically process within 3-5 business days after FFL verification is complete. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required, with transit times of 2-7 business days depending on your location relative to our Montana facility. You'll receive tracking information within 24 hours of shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns are handled on a case-by-case basis following ATF regulations, requiring unopened original packaging and inspection within 14 days of receipt. We recommend consulting our fit guide and using the included spacers to adjust length of pull before considering return, as restocking fees apply to non-defective firearms.