Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge Autoloader

An overview of Browning's just released 2016 A5 "Sweet Sixteen." See: www.randywakeman.com/REVIEW201... .

[@nicholasmapes]

I have two sweet 16s, from what I can tell both from around 54. I bought them as a set from a guy that got them new, one of them is still in the box, never been fired. Love the original sweet 16s

[@Rucksack57]

Thanks Randy for another great review. Keep up the good work.

[@bobbyscott8024]

Hey Randy, I picked one of these up a few years back at Mid-South guns here in Wagram, N.C. A 2016 model in near new condition for about $1100! Had everything with it and I just couldn't pass it up......plus I'm a 16ga. lover anyway so it wasn't very hard! I really do enjoy it and have several other makes of 16 gauges, all older guns. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into these reviews and making these videos for the hunting/shooting community! God bless you! From Sophia, N.C.

[@DarrellGrob]

I've just started trap shooting and I'm using an inherited 1953 A5 standard 16. I'm pretty sure the more different guns I get to use, the more likely my preferences will change, but I do have to say I enjoy my A5. I've shot other 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns and I can see me settling into a 20 gauge over-under as I progress. But my A5 is a great gun to shoot. Two things that also make the gun enjoyable is that it is a fairly unique gun, at least where I am. (Colorado) I get asked frequently what kind of gun it is. The other thing I like is that you get plenty of boom, like a 12, but without dislocating my shoulder. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@kyledonovan2987]

Hopefully manufactures will continue to offer new 16 ga guns.id like to see the 16 ga continue.some new shell technology would also keep it going.maby a 3" 16 would give it some of the 20s sales and see it back at waterfowl.

[@sartainja]

Nice review of an excellent looking bird shotgun.

[@JOShaugh87]

I’ve used this gun for a few years now. Trigger gets a little softer with round count, mine can’t support weight of gun anymore. When Randy says they’ll run dirty but not dry he is 100% correct. One thing I’d add to that is that you also need to remove and lubricate the trigger group. My gun had boat loads of failures to eject when I used to dry lube the trigger group. I hosed it down with CLP and it’s been flawless. I love this gun

[@johnh6561]

I use bismuth in my Model 12 16 ga. If I pick up one of these I'll be loading up some Hevi Shot #5. Hevi 5 is amazing! It's too bad almost all the factory loads from Hevi Shot are either #4 or #6. I may never know why more people don't use #5 shot.

[@bosse641]

Lovely shotgun. ....sure would like to own one.

[@doughelton4040]

Thanks For the review Randy , we have some coming as we want them from quail guns . We have also ordered a quantity of the fiocchi HV 1 oz loads and excited to test the combo on Arizona quail in January

[@RandyWakeman]

I've not exactly given up on the Sweet Sixteen. More chokes are on their way from Browning (Improved Mod / Light Full) and more ammunition is incoming as well, the newer super-fast Federal buffered #5 lead loads and 1-1/4 oz. buffered loads as well.

[@materazipelates]

@@RandyWakeman great video review the 16ga. I have the 16ga shotgun before. But in my country it's not nation wide and the cartridges also more expensive than the 12ga. That's why I'm switching to 12ga shotgun nowadays...

[@easttexan2933]

that's about the best gun review I've seen on YT in a long long time. thanks for sharing. browning scores again. the 16ga just keeps hanging on.

[@alanthomas1774]

ive got 2 old school mint sweet16 ga and love them both one round know and one flat know both auto feet like the new ones too

[@barkbustin]

Looks like a nice field gun. I prefer an o/u, but all I do is shoot trap & skeet. I used to shoot a buddy's original Sweet 16 and seemed like I could not miss, but then again it was a spring thrower and not at the range. A little difference in target speed.

[@jamesa702]

Uncle Hill had a breach loading 16 ga. single shot that the new shooter in the family had to learn on. Usually me. Any additional padding in the form of handy rags etc, were ridiculed. One could read the pattern of the day's end bruise much as one would do with tea leaves. The gods of gunnery answered my prayers for a .410 which allowed positive results with dove, duck and an occasional Idaho goose. They said it was impossible to be out shot by a pop gun. My pain subsided as my fearlessness took reasonable hold. So don't be afraid to pull the trigger and get a .410. The old man and the boy live on... Thanks for your won- derful instruction and definition much appreciated. Too bad one cant bbe 10 yo forever...

[@amyllari5274]

I recently bought an FN light twelve

[@JOShaugh87]

I bought one of these thinking I bought an albatross. It has been absolutely fantastic on woodies and ducks over decoys. This is a great caliber! Mod choke is fine. Gun is insanely light! Speed load is great! Cheap Federal waterfowl loads work great if you can shoot. Fantastic gun!

[@RandyWakeman]

You're better off referring to it as a gauge rather than a caliber. Someone generally has a cow when they hear "caliber."

[@JOShaugh87]

Randy Wakeman Just a typo, but yea it’s probably like saying I like its high capacity magazine clip. Haha. Regardless I really like it. Really hard to believe the 16 isn’t a more popular round/gauge

[@dalesimons1966]

Awesome shotgun and incredible gauge. I have a Tristar Hunter Ex in 16 gauge because I am temporarily financially challenged. This is the gun that I would really like to have. I too would like to see more manufacturers produce more 16 gauge models and more ammunition. My shotgun is only 6 lbs, I can carry it all day and with the right load it’s got almost as much punch as my 12 gauge. What more can a pheasant hunter ask for???

[@doughelton4040]

Our's are coming thru Lipsey's , we called them this AM after watching your review and they said browning cannot/will not confirm delivery date . I guess I can get by without it but watching your video gets me all fired up to get mine LOL

[@RandyWakeman]

Most manufacturers have learned (the hard way) to just ship product when ready and not give "estimated" shipping dates. Estimates are often taken as hard facts and folks tend to get grumpy.

[@RandyWakeman]

This is the start of a comparison, Sweet Sixteen v. Benelli M2: www.randywakeman.com/ComparedBenelliM220GaugeVsBrowningSweetSixteenPartOne.htm .

[@doughelton4040]

We have Belgian sweets for serious pheasant work and have our own 1 1/4 oz load of nickel 5's that work well , of course I have my new fabarms L4 and a case of the B&P heavy pheasant nickel 5's to test in So Dakota in six weeks . I was thinking as I watched your review that if I could get an another full choke tube I could make up something tighter than the I/c-mod chokes that came with though the mod choke as is might be just about right for Az quail , I use trulocks now with 15 thou constriction and they do a mighty fine job

[@RandyWakeman]

Browning does have what they call "Improved Modified" and "Light Full" DS chokes. So, when they get here, it won't take long to see if that solves the problem.

[@richardsaunders5717]

Thank you.

[@MjrMjr-tt3kn]

I tried one of these at a local sporting clay event in colorado and was amazed at how the recoil was so low! I love this gun and want to get it for any girls that come along shooting clays with me becasue of the low recoil - but ive been told ammo is hard to find and kinda expensive for clays...

[@RandyWakeman]

The A5 is not at all what I would call a soft-shooting gun. Any light inertia gun is harsh compared to a gas-operated shotgun of equal weight, and really rough compared to a heavy gas-operated shotgun.

[@MjrMjr-tt3kn]

Randy Wakeman -randy the sweet 16 i tried had significantly less recoil than my 12 gauge beretta silver pigeon - probably half the recoil i would say, but ill take your advice and try a gas operated shotgun first before i proceed down the path of a sweet 16.

[@robertnation3077]

Been looking at one of those and now in 2018 the white bead still blocks out the front sight. Heavy trigger, mis marked chokes, hmm, I dunno think I’ll take another look at the 20 gauge Benelli. Thanks!

[@samwasthebest6633]

I bought my Sweet 16 in in 1967 for @100 with a nice bag, original owner shot a half box of shells through it, after I got it I fired the other half. Kicked so hard it hasn’t been fired since, what a shame.

[@paulmorin2234]

Hi Randy I like your videos, I just want to say I use a Benelli Montefeltro 12 gauge with number fours on pheasant and quail yes quail too because when I take a trip for three or four days I don’t want to be chasing downed birds with their heads up.

[@RandyWakeman]

What is wrong with #5 lead as opposed to #4?

[@christerhauknes6840]

We want som pattern test with the different chokes that comes with this gun :)

[@mamohr686]

Nice review and video. These guns are flying off the shelves locally. I found one with a 26" barrel and they are retailing for $1500 with a $100 rebate right now through browning. The 28" barreled guns are very hard to come by, and most gun shops have a good size waiting list. This will be my primary pheasant and grouse gun this season. I find myself canting the gun while shooting clays to see the front bead. The front red bead is completely blocked out like you said in the video. I debating on having a gunsmith tap a screw hole and filling it with a standard screw where the center bead is. Then, if I ever did decide to add it again I could just screw it back in. If I shim the stock so I can see both beads my point of impact is way above the target and I'm seeing too much rib on the gun. Did you every try the factory full choke that comes with the gun?

[@RandyWakeman]

Yes and it is a bit too tight for pheasants. I hunted last year with the Improved Modified Invector-DS 16 gauge tube (.646 in. exit diameter) which has a .023 inch actual constriction in my A5.

[@TorchwoodLuthiers]

Hi Randy, the mid bead should sit lower than the front bead when the firearm is fitted to you. I would just shim the drop at comb and viola! It won't shoot flat anymore!(well unless you want that). You will have a "figure eight when looking at the beads when mounted". Anyways thanks for the video I am still waiting for these to hit the shelves.

[@RandyWakeman]

Center beads serve no purpose whatsoever on field guns. The old "Figure 8" theory is worthless in the field. You've likely never seen a factory Automatic-Five with a center bead: they didn't bother with them. The notion of "stacking" a white bead against a red tubular bead is enough to give most anyone a headache. The worthless center bead syndrome isn't unique to Browning-- if it is obnoxious, they get broken off and thrown in the trash without delay. www.randywakeman.com/Review_Benelli_M2_%2020_Gauge.htm : "The M2 has an obnoxious silver center bead on the rib that is just straight retarded. Like the fat fellow that when he gets his shoes shined, he has to take the guy's word for it, the same is true of the front bead on the M2. The center bead obliterates the view of the front bead, so whether it is there or not in actual shooting is anyone's guess. Center beads on field shotguns make no sense; a center bead that blocks out the front bead makes even less sense. Benelli isn't the only shotgun manufacturer that is guilty of this type of lunacy. I've picked on Remington for foisting a center bead on a recently reviewed 870 that rendered the front bead completely invisible and useless, so it is only fair to carp a bit whenever such a dunderheaded practice is employed, regardless of manufacturer. There is no easy way to unscrew the center bead, apparently a pin vise is an “iffy” proposition, so attempting to twist it off with pliers broke it off flush with the rib to my immense delight. Problem solved. Oddly enough, Benelli has the same item #11087 listed on their website as a “Turkey Gun with Comfortech.” It appears to be the same identical gun only without the center bead. If I was smart, which I obviously am not, I would have gone for the turkey gun and skipped the nasty bead drama."

[@joeymurphy5617]

When you fit a fixed rib gun to a shooter, the front bead should be centered with their eye when you look down the rib from the muzzle end. They might see a "8", or there may be space in between the two beads. Then they shoot until they get POA/POI figured out and get the muscle memory locked in.

[@nickpond]

Does anyone know if they fixed the choke problem my brother ordered a a5 wicked wings didn't know if we should just get after market chokes

[@Hunter09686]

Maybe some attention will be given to the potential for a good waterfowl load. 16 gauge makes a great small to medium decoying duck gun. Although I have taken several mallards with one.

[@RandyWakeman]

It has always been a "maybe." The Kent Tungsten-Matrix loads were superb, now discontinued in 16 gauge. However, the new Kent Bismuth is comparatively affordable and available. One ounce of Bismuth 5 shot does the trick, load #C162BNT28­-5 @ 1300 fps is a good choice for your application. See: kentgamebore.com/waterfowl-loads/tungsten-waterfowl.html#product-1716 .

[@christerhauknes6840]

I recieved my Sweet sixteen yesterday. Looks like Browning got rid of the white center beed.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

What do you think is the difference in feel on a upland style stock versus the more common style? I noticed the BPS 16 gauges pump is offered in the upland stock version. Any advantage?

[@RandyWakeman]

Straight stocks (aka 'upland') are best suited for SxS models with double triggers.

[@benjaminmarkowski7836]

Randy awesome review can you please do a review on the 12 gauge version of this I’m so undecided I don’t know which one to get the 12 gauge or 16 gauge I wish I could have them both

[@RandyWakeman]

I've already reviewed two of the A5 12 gauges. www.randywakeman.com/Review_2012_Browning_A5_Hunter_Autoloading%20Shotgun.htm

[@larrykool8637]

I just got back from the Trap range where someone was testing out is new A5. He had multiple light primer strikes. i would be extremely upset myself if I'd paid that much money for a new gun and it didn't function properly. Nice finish on the gun though.

[@joeymurphy5617]

Larry Kool Browning Shotguns can sometimes be picky with shells. One of my buddies has a BT99 trap gun and there is one brand of shells that it flat out hates. Light primer strikes just about every time. The brand it does like, it will go bang every time unless there is something wrong with the shell itself. I demoed a 12 gauge A5 at the Grand American and i didn't have a single issue. Shot it 15 times, only missed one clay with it. Last clay i shot at, i did low-gun. That's where you bring the gun to your shoulder when the clay comes out. Still hit it.

[@gonewinchester3385]

Randy, could you show a disassembly video on the bolt for the sweet sixteen. I have the 12 but the parts aren’t the same in each bolt. My 16 has a roll pin retaining the firing ping and no firing pin spring, just wondering if that was the way it was designed

[@RandyWakeman]

Unless there have been some recent changes, yes, that is the way it is designed on the 16. There is no firing pin return spring.

[@gonewinchester3385]

Thanks Randy, I thought I was losing mind for a second.

[@supra5911]

Randy, thanks for the good honest review. I'm thinking of buying one the only thing holding me back is the choke tubes. Do you know if companies are making choke tubes for this gun yet? If I could get a true full or an Improved Modified I'd purchase buy a Sweet 16.

[@RandyWakeman]

Browning makes them . . . more than the three supplied: www.randywakeman.com/2016BrowningA5SweetSixteenPhaseTwo.htm . The Improved Modified Invector-DS 16 gauge tube (.646 in. exit diameter) yields a .023 inch constriction in the tested A5, a far better option than the supplied IC and Mod chokes for many applications including wild pheasants.

[@supra5911]

Randy Wakeman thanks for the fast reply. I'll be buying the sweet 16 soon.

[@Mbeta300]

I noticed that you mentioned the B 80, what is your opinion on that shotgun and do you have a video on it?

[@RandyWakeman]

Covered in numerous articles on my website www.randywakeman.com/ /

[@CaptainRon956]

I shoot skeet & hunt dove with my Remington 11-87 20ga however I want to treat myself to something higher end. I own a win model 12 in 16ga & reload for it & 20 so ammo isn’t really an issue. My question is, is the A5 sweet 16 worth the price tag? Do you get what you paid for?

[@RandyWakeman]

*It isn't my favorite.*

[@jimdent351]

Any experience with the 12ga. version? I just bought one on a whim, and now I'm seeing videos where people are having jamming/ejection problems.

[@RandyWakeman]

I wrote five articles on them . . . testing a pair of them when they were first released. www.randywakeman.com/TheNewBrowningA5AdventurePartIII.htm

[@kylestacy8446]

Hey Randy. Which new choke throws a pattern as a traditional modified? The improved modified or the light full? I most use it for rabbit hunting if that helps.

[@RandyWakeman]

Depends on the ammo, but the IM is about right.

[@kylestacy8446]

@@RandyWakeman appreciate the reply, thank you

[@RandyWakeman]

www.randywakeman.com/REVIEW2016BrowningSweetSixteenPartTwo.htm Note: The "Improved Modified" and "Light Full" 16 gauge DS chokes have arrived: both are steel-shot approved. The Improved Modified has a substantially heavier constriction than the Modified, at .023 in., (.646 in. ID) so that should take care of the open patterns.

[@kylestacy8446]

@@RandyWakeman thanks for the link, truly appreciate it sir

[@freezeman2029]

Where did you pick one of those up at? Haven't seen a one.

[@RandyWakeman]

They are shipping early October.

[@leonardbeefbroth6287]

Is the browning sweet 16 made in japan or is it made in Belgium? I know the older ones are but is this one?

[@RandyWakeman]

Portugal.

[@leonardbeefbroth6287]

Randy Wakeman ok thanks and is it worth buying it. I know it's light I picked one up in the store and it's super light just want to know if it's worth the money.

[@RandyWakeman]

www.randywakeman.com/REVIEW2016BrowningSweetSixteenPartTwo.htm

[@Hunter09686]

Well here we are in mid January 2017 and they still aren't on the shelves. I have my gun shop checking weekly and still there are none in stock anywhere. Come on Browning! What's the deal?!

[@RandyWakeman]

Browning has been shipping them in quantity since December. Many of my readers have had theirs for over a month by now.

[@NunoMendares]

Great video and Nice gun! Maby i change my XLR 12 Gauge for this A5 in 16 Gauge!!!? Who knows.... Here in Portugal the 16 was a very popular gauge but.... in the mid seventies it simply vanished.... When more videos with the A5 Sweet Sixteen?

[@RandyWakeman]

What would you like to see on another Sweet Sixteen video that is not already covered?

[@NunoMendares]

Well, disassembly and assembly, shooting padrons of the new DS choques!

[@coltonrobinson2963]

Randy Wakeman I would like to see a review on the 12 gauge hunter

[@RandyWakeman]

www.randywakeman.com/Review_2012_Browning_A5_Hunter_Autoloading%20Shotgun.htm www.randywakeman.com/ReviewBrowningA5HunterRoundTwo.htm www.randywakeman.com/TheNewBrowningA5AdventurePartIII.htm

[@coltonrobinson2963]

Thank you sir

[@bradgoodman6196]

Whats your take on putting steelshot threw this gun

[@RandyWakeman]

There is no issue with current production Browning shotguns.

[@jeffreyhall838]

Hey Randy, what is your favorite guage shotgun for Pheasant hunting?

[@RandyWakeman]

It is more the specific gun than the gauge. I'm using 1-1/4 oz. of lead #5: pheasants don't seem to care what barrel it comes out of. Certainly, 12 gauge wins in the ammo selection, ammo availability dept., and ammo cost area, with 20 gauge as number 2.

[@jeffreyhall838]

Thanks Randy, I have never hunted Pheasants but i would love to try it soon. I have several 20ga and 12ga shotguns but the last few years I find myself reaching for one of my 20 guages 1oz #5 or # 6 lead for my rabbit or squirrel hunts, i love a light and lively 20ga semi-auto like a Benelli M2 or Ultralight

[@RandyWakeman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3PVq6qDmdagf9E

[@michellen5704]

I have heard it had a lot of chambering and ejection issues I’d that true?

[@RandyWakeman]

I had no problems whatsoever.

[@charlesruffing9532]

I did not have ejection issues but did have feeding / chambering issues. I had to clean the magazine tube and it has been perfect since then. For whatever reason, the magazine tube seemed to have a lot of factory grease / lube in it that was messing up the feeding and was also impacting the speed loading. It has been flawless since I cleaned the magazine tube.

[@MuzafferErdil]

Hello, Firstly l Want to point out that l watched your videos and l liked your Chanel😊l Want to buy a shot gun as a model of "Browning maxus a tacs au" l am asking as you are a user of browning.ls there anyone that uses "Browning maxus"around you?Can you give me information about which model l can buy about Browning shotgun??

[@RandyWakeman]

I've reviewed several examples: www.randywakeman.com/shotgun.htm .

[@ryankiss4585]

26 or 28inch barrel on the a5 for dove?

[@RandyWakeman]

28.

[@ryankiss4585]

Thank you and last question….. 12 or 16 guage?

[@RandyWakeman]

If you aren't interested in a 16 gauge, there are far better options than the new A5, both in 20 gauge and 12.

[@ryankiss4585]

Well I’m tall and lanky 6’2. And the A5 just seems to align with my eye naturally. What others would you suggest?

[@RandyWakeman]

My favorite upland hunting shotgun is the Fabarm L4S.

[@gregwalker4236]

anything with that classic a-5 look or the b-80 look is about as pretty as it gets for an autoloader, but yikes its price, while typical, gives me a nose bleed....thanks

[@4gauge10]

Its way,way,way,too light for a 16 bore,it should be 7-7-1/4 pounds with an optional machined steel receiver.Start shooting some 1-1/4 ounce number 4 Federal magnums with copper plated shot.Or worse,some Light Field 2-3/4"magnum slug loads.That gun will BEAT YOU TOO DEATH with just a few shots,a BALANCE of the CORRECT weight(not too heavy or light makes for a much more well rounded gun that can deal much better with the full range of loads available for the 12 or 16-bore) Browning gets another fail for not offering a 20-bore A-5 with optional machined steel receiver,ditto for the current 12's in the current A-5 model lineup. Excellent video,I thought you done a very fair review of this shotgun.I'm just kinda disappointed with Brownings current offerings,the lack of a optional machined steel receiver mainly.Oh,I almost forgot...Browning has TOTALLY FORGOT about the deer/black bear hunters with the lack of a optional deer slug barrel on the 16 or 12 ga.A-5's.(ditto for Maxus)

[@RandyWakeman]

Not at all. Why would anyone want a 16 gauge heavier than 12 gauges? I've hunted the new SS with 1-1/4 loads and it isn't remotely an issue. All I've used are 1-1/4 - 1-5/16 oz. payloads for pheasants, and mostly out of 6 lb. - 6-1/4 lb. guns.

[@4gauge10]

Randy Wakeman The 12's should weigh in at 7.5-7-3/4 pounds,those are far too light for the spectrum of loads that the 12-bores are ENGINEERED to handle.The 12's will REALLY beat you too death weighing in at 6 pounds,that's NUTS!!.

[@RandyWakeman]

I've been hunting for over 50 years and I'm not dead or beaten to death yet. When a rooster cackles, the last thing I would ever think about, much less actually feel is recoil. There is a reason no one makes 7-1/2 lb. - 7-3/4 pound upland hunting guns: few want them, and fewer buy them. Jack O'Connor said he wouldn't have an upland gun that weighed over 7 lbs. 6-1/4 lb. 20 gauges are standard fare here and in 12 gauge, my favorite is a 6-3/4 lb. Fabarm L4S.