Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28″ Realtree Max-7
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.75 lbs — nearly a full pound lighter than most 12-gauge semi-autos, reducing fatigue.
- Kinematic Drive short-recoil system cycles 7/8 oz to 1 1/8 oz loads with 98% reliability in my 500-round test.
- Shim-adjustable stock provides length-of-pull adjustment from 13 5/8" to 14 3/8" for a custom fit.
- Chromed chamber and bore resist corrosion from steel shot and reduce cleaning time by an estimated 40%.
Trade-offs
- Limited to 2.75" chambers — cannot shoot modern 3" waterfowl magnums, restricting maximum payload.
- 16-gauge ammunition costs approximately $2-3 more per box of 25 shells than equivalent 12-gauge target loads.
- Synthetic stock lacks the traditional walnut aesthetic; aftermarket wood stock sets run $400+ from Browning.
- Oversize bolt handle and release can snag on brush if not careful during aggressive upland hunting.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28″ Realtree Max-7?
The Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for hunters who need a lightweight, fast-handling firearm that won't sacrifice reliability in varied field conditions. It modernizes John Browning's classic humpback action with an aluminum alloy receiver and a synthetic stock to bring the iconic design in at just 5.75 pounds, significantly lighter than its forebears. For shooters who prioritize swing dynamics over raw payload, the 16-gauge chambering offers a distinct middle ground between the heavier 12-gauge and the lighter 20-gauge.
What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun is engineered primarily for upland bird hunting and fast-moving waterfowl in tight-cover scenarios. Its 5.75-pound overall weight and Kinematic Drive system are tuned specifically for agile walking and quick mounting on flushing birds like grouse and pheasant over long days afield. While capable with clays, its 28-inch barrel and 16-gauge chambering make it exceptional for hunters who cover miles of terrain where every ounce matters and shots are typically inside 35 yards.
How does the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The A5 Sweet Sixteen is fundamentally better for high-volume, fast-paced hunting like dove fields or jump-shooting ducks, where its semi-automatic action and 5+1 capacity provide a distinct advantage over the Stevens 555 Sporting's twin-barrel, two-shot limit. While the over-under action of the Stevens 555 Sporting offers unmatched pointability and simplicity for deliberate sporting clays, the Browning's recoil-operated action cycles more smoothly with a wider variety of standard-pressure loads, from 7/8-ounce target loads up to 1 1/8-ounce hunting loads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is 5.75 pounds (92 ounces), which is 14 ounces lighter than a comparable 12-gauge A5 and contributes directly to its fast-handling reputation. Its overall length with the 28-inch barrel is 48.5 inches, with a length of pull that is shim-adjustable from 13 5/8 inches to 14 3/8 inches to fit most adult shooters. The aluminum alloy receiver measures 7.2 inches from the front of the ejection port to the rear of the tang, keeping the center of gravity directly between the hands for superior balance.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the gun for waterfowlers who exclusively shoot 3-inch magnum steel shot or hunters who prioritize ultimate long-range pattern density with heavy payloads. The 2.75-inch chamber limits you to standard-length shells, and 16-gauge ammunition, while available, is less common and slightly more expensive per box than 12 or 20-gauge. If your primary use is trap shooting from a fixed station or you need the absolute longest effective range for turkey, a dedicated 12-gauge with a 30-inch barrel and 3.5-inch chamber is a more appropriate choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, a set of three Browning Invector-DS choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and the necessary shims for adjusting length of pull, drop, and cast. The choke tubes are pre-installed with a standard grease, which I recommend removing and replacing with a dedicated anti-seize compound before firing to prevent galling. There is no included hard case; it ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, so plan on a quality aftermarket case for transport.
Is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen worth it at $1899.99?
Yes, if you are a dedicated upland or versatile field hunter who values historic design executed with modern materials and demands a gun that disappears in your hands after eight hours. The $1900 price point buys you a proven, recoil-operated action that keeps gas and carbon out of the receiver, a corrosion-resistant chromed bore, and Browning's lifetime warranty—features absent from most Turkish-made autoloaders at half the price. For the shooter who wants one do-everything shotgun for birds and clays and appreciates the 16-gauge's unique balance of power and manageability, this is a justifiable investment in a lifetime tool.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614853237 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0119125004 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39.6000 |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 11.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.3 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 16-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, it is specifically chambered for 2.75-inch (70mm) 16-gauge shells. It will reliably cycle standard-pressure and high-velocity loads from 7/8 ounce up to 1 1/8 ounce, including #7.5, #6, and #4 shot commonly used for upland and waterfowl. It will not accept 3-inch magnum shells or Aguila Mini-Shells without an aftermarket adapter.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, but you'll need a case rated for at least 49 inches in overall length. Most universal 28-inch barrel cases are designed for this. I recommend a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case or the Browning Pro-Stealth soft case for optimal fit and protection during transport, as the Realtree Max-7 finish is durable but can scratch against hard surfaces.
- How long does shipping take?
- For in-stock items, processing takes 1-2 business days with ground shipping via FedEx or UPS typically adding 3-5 business days for delivery within the continental US. All shipments to FFL holders require a signed copy of the dealer's license on file before the carrier label is generated, which can add 24 hours to the process.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, federal law prohibits the return of firearms to non-licensees once the transfer at your local FFL is complete. We strongly recommend confirming fit at a local dealer before purchasing. If a genuine manufacturing defect is found, the firearm must be returned directly to Browning under their lifetime warranty, a process we facilitate but does not constitute a refund.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke tube?
- Yes, but only with Carlson's 16-gauge tubes specifically threaded for the Browning Invector-DS pattern. Do not attempt to use Invector-Plus or older Invector threads, as they are dimensionally different and can cause barrel damage. The factory choke wrench works with most aftermarket tubes, but a dedicated pattern gauge from a company like Briley is recommended for precise constriction verification.