Of all the Browning “humpback” shotguns, none has a more loyal following than the 16-ga. “Sweet Sixteen” and Browning brought it back for 2016. Like its most revered predecessor, the new A5 Sweet Sixteen is built on a receiver that is lighter and smaller than the 12-gauge A5 for reduced weight and a sleeker feel.
While the original A5 used a series of friction rings you had to have in the right order for different loads, the A5 uses kinetic energy to power the recoil-operated Kinematic Drive System for reliable function with any load and under the full extremes of weather, temperature, moisture or grime. The 2 ¾” chambered, 16 gauge receiver is constructed of strong, lightweight aluminum alloy with a black anodized bi-tone finish.
The stock and forearm are gloss finish walnut with a close radius pistol grip and sharp 18 lines-per-inch checkering. The stock is also shim adjustable for length of pull, cast and drop, and includes ¼” and ½” stock spacers for length of pull adjustments.
My original Sweet Sixteen has an adjustable Cutts Compensator, but the new gun includes three Invector-DS chokes. Barrels come in 26” or 28” lengths and weight is only
5 lbs. 12 oz. to 5 lbs. 13 oz. The suggested retail price is a not-so-sweet $1,700, but you have to pay for nostalgia combined with modern systems.
Scott Mayer
www.tacticaltshirts.com
www.john1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
In 2008, Mayer returned to the editorial side of publishing, this time in the digital field, as Editorial Director for Guns & Ammo, Shooting Times, Handguns and Rifleshooter online magazines. After a brief stint in 2011 as the Digital Media Director for an ABC TV affiliate, Mayer returned to the outdoors industry and Safari Club International where he is currently Assistant Publisher and Multi-Media Communications Editor.
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