Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 26″
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Expert review
About this product
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen is a 16-gauge semi-automatic shotgun engineered for serious waterfowlers who operate in punishing, wet environments; this specific model pairs a 26-inch back-bored barrel with a short-recoil autoloading action and specialized field coatings to deliver reliable function and quick handling afield. It builds upon the original Auto-5's long-recoil principle with a modernized, self-compensating system. From my compliance perspective, its fixed 4+1 capacity and 2.75-inch chamber are non-negotiable factory specs that keep it Title I compliant without modification headaches.
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun is purpose-built for waterfowl hunting, specifically pass-shooting ducks and geese from muddy pits or flooded timber. Its 26-inch barrel and 6.12 lb weight provide a swift swing for fast-moving targets in confined spaces, while the Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat camo and Burnt Bronze Cerakote offer serious corrosion resistance against marsh acids and salt spray. The oversized bolt release and shim-adjustable stock with 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch spacers let you tailor the fit in the field with gloved hands.
How does the Browning A5 Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun?
The Browning A5 is mechanically superior for rapid, sequential shots in wet conditions, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers simpler reliability for upland hunting. The A5's Kinematic Drive system cycles everything from light 1-ounce target loads to heavy 1-1/4 ounce magnums without manual adjustment, a flexibility the break-action Stevens cannot match. However, the Stevens 555 is a better choice for a new shooter focused on clays, as its over-under design forces a deliberate firing rhythm and is simpler to clean.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 6.12 lbs (2.78 kg). Its overall length is 46.5 inches with the 26-inch barrel installed, and the length of pull is adjustable from 14.25 inches to 14.75 inches using the included spacers. The back-bored barrel has an internal diameter of approximately 0.665 inches, which reduces felt recoil and improves pattern consistency by about 10% compared to a standard 16-gauge bore.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a suitable first shotgun for a novice, nor is it a viable option for hunters who require 3-inch chambering for heavy turkey or long-range waterfowl loads. The fixed 2.75-inch chamber and specific 16-gauge ammunition requirement create a logistical and cost hurdle that a 12-gauge like the Stevens 334 Rifle does not. Furthermore, target shooters who fire hundreds of light target loads in a session will find the recoil-operated action and specialized finishes overbuilt and unnecessarily costly compared to a dedicated gas-operated sporting gun.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three extended Invector-DS choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a T-wrench for choke and stock adjustment, and a durable ABS hard case for transport. The chokes feature a knurled goose band for hand-tightening, and the wrench has a specific 1/4-inch hex head for the stock bolt. Notably absent is a bore snake or cleaning kit, which you'll need to source separately to maintain the chrome-plated bore after exposure to corrosive environments.
Is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing worth it at $2099.99?
At $2,099.99, this shotgun justifies its price for the dedicated waterfowler who demands autoloading reliability in extreme conditions and values the handling of a 16-gauge. The investment covers the proprietary Cerakote finish, the sophisticated self-regulating action, and the precise stock shimming system—features absent on budget autoloaders. For a hunter who spends 40+ days a season in the blind, the reliability premium is rational; for occasional use, a $900 pump-action will perform the same core function.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.12 lbs — nearly 1.5 lbs lighter than most 12-gauge autoloaders, reducing fatigue during long carries.
- Back-bored 0.665" barrel reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15% and improves pattern density.
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote provides 500+ hour salt spray corrosion resistance, critical for waterfowling.
- Kinematic Drive system cycles any 2.75" 16-gauge load from 7/8 oz to 1-1/4 oz without manual adjustment.
Trade-offs
- Fixed 2.75" chamber — cannot use modern 3" 16-gauge waterfowl loads, limiting long-range payload options.
- No factory-provided sling studs installed — requires aftermarket drilling/tapping or an adapter kit for $30-50.
- Specialized 16-gauge ammunition averages $2-3 more per box than 12-gauge and has less variety on store shelves.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997245 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0119005005 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| 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
- Is it compatible with 3-inch 16-gauge shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically machined for 2.75-inch shells only. Attempting to fire a 3-inch shell will cause a dangerous failure to fully chamber and likely damage the bolt and barrel extension. Always verify ammunition box labels read '2-3/4"' or '2.75"' before loading.
- Does the synthetic stock fit a youth or smaller shooter?
- With the thinnest recoil pad spacer installed, the minimum length of pull is 14.25 inches, which may still be long for very small-framed shooters. For a dedicated compact option, consider the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Sporting Compact</a> with its 12.5-inch length of pull. The A5's stock is not interchangeable with other Browning models without gunsmithing.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipment from our warehouse typically takes 2-3 business days. Once shipped, transit time is 3-7 business days depending on your FFL's location. The firearm must ship to a licensed dealer—provide your chosen FFL's contact information at checkout to avoid delays.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle my reloads?
- Returns for mechanical function are handled as a warranty claim directly through Browning's service center, not through Ironclad Armory. The firearm is tested at the factory with SAAMI-spec commercial ammunition; handloads that deviate from pressure or dimensions may cause cycling issues and void the warranty inspection. We recommend a 50-round break-in period with factory 1-1/8 oz loads.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke tube?
- Yes, provided you purchase the specific 'Invector-DS' thread model from Carlson's. The threading is not compatible with standard Invector, Invector-Plus, or Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes. Always confirm the choke tube is marked 'For Browning Invector-DS' before installation to prevent thread galling or barrel damage.