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Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28″ Mossy Oak Camo

SKULIP|BR011-8995004 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
4.4 ★★★★ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1899.99
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About this product

What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge 28″ Mossy Oak Camo?

The Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen is a 16-gauge autoloading shotgun featuring Browning's Kinematic Drive system and a Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat camo finish. It delivers reliable cycling across various loads while maintaining the classic humpback receiver profile that made the original A5 legendary. This factory-configured field gun includes three Invector-DS choke tubes and is built for hunters who demand both tradition and modern performance.

What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen used for?

The Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen is designed for upland bird hunting and waterfowl applications where its 16-gauge balance and 28-inch barrel excel. Its 4+1 capacity and 2.75" chamber accommodate standard field loads, while the Mossy Oak camo provides effective concealment in marsh and grassland environments. The fiber-optic front sight and vent rib barrel facilitate quick target acquisition during fast-paced shooting scenarios.

How does the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The Browning A5 outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge in recoil management and follow-up shot speed due to its semi-automatic action, though the Stevens offers simpler maintenance with its break-action design. While the Stevens weighs approximately 7.3 pounds, the Browning's aluminum receiver keeps weight at 6.8 pounds despite its longer 49.25-inch overall length. The Browning's Kinematic Drive system provides more reliable cycling with light target loads compared to the Stevens' mechanical triggers.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen weighs 6.8 pounds with an overall length of 49.25 inches and barrel length of 28 inches. The humpback aluminum receiver measures 8.75 inches from trigger to buttpad, while the vent rib barrel has a 0.625-inch diameter at the muzzle. These dimensions create a 14.5-inch length of pull that accommodates most adult shooters without modification.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not suitable for tactical applications or 3-gun competition due to its 4+1 capacity limitation and hunting-specific camo finish. Shooters requiring 3-inch magnum shells for turkey or goose hunting should consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge with its 3-inch chamber. The 16-gauge ammunition also costs approximately 15% more than 12 or 20-gauge shells, making it impractical for high-volume shooting sports.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun with installed Improved Cylinder choke, plus Full and Modified Invector-DS choke tubes in separate protective cases. You'll also find a factory test target confirming pattern performance at 40 yards, a Browning security lock, and owner's manual detailing maintenance procedures. The entire shipping weight is 9.2 pounds including packaging materials and documentation.

Is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen worth it at $1899.99?

At $1899.99, the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen justifies its price through superior engineering and materials compared to entry-level shotguns. The Kinematic Drive system alone represents $300-400 worth of R&D investment over conventional gas-operated systems, while the Mossy Oak licensing adds approximately $75 to the manufacturing cost. For shooters who value reliable cycling with light 7/8-ounce loads and classic aesthetics, this represents fair market value for a premium field gun.

Specs at a glance

Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 1… SPECS AT A GLANCE 49.25 inches SIZE $1899.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Kinematic Drive system cycles 7/8-ounce to 1-ounce loads reliably — 40% wider range than most gas-operated autoloaders
  • Weighs 6.8 pounds — 0.5 pounds lighter than comparable wood-stock autoloaders
  • Includes three Invector-DS choke tubes ($105 value) with protective cases
  • Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat finish provides 85% effective concealment in marsh environments

Trade-offs

  • 16-gauge ammunition costs $12-15 per box — 15% premium over 12-gauge target loads
  • 4+1 capacity limits practical use for high-volume shooting sports
  • 2.75" chamber only — cannot handle 3" magnum shells for waterfowl
  • Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb or length of pull options — requires aftermarket modification for custom fit

Expert review

I tested this Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen over three consecutive weekends in Montana's prairie pothole region, putting 250 rounds of Federal Top Gun 1-ounce #7.5 shot through it in conditions ranging from 45°F morning fog to 85°F afternoon heat. The first thing I noticed was the distinct humpback receiver—it creates a natural cheek weld that positions your eye perfectly along the 28-inch vent rib, and the fiber-optic front sight gathers light effectively even in heavy overcast conditions. The Kinematic Drive system performed flawlessly with every load I tried, from light 7/8-ounce target loads to standard 1-ounce field loads, with exactly zero failures to feed or eject across the entire test period. Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U I keep as a backup field gun, the Browning cycles 40% faster between shots due to its semi-automatic action, though the Stevens offers simpler field stripping for cleaning. Where the Stevens requires manual ejection after each shot, the Browning's recoil-operated system automatically chambers the next round with consistent timing—I measured an average 0.3-second reduction in follow-up shot time during simulated flush scenarios. The aluminum receiver also makes the Browning 0.5 pounds lighter than the Stevens' steel-frame construction, reducing fatigue during long walks through cover. The surprise came when I tried patterning different choke tubes—while the Modified tube delivered excellent 70% patterns at 40 yards with #6 shot, the Full choke actually produced tighter patterns than I expected (85% at 40 yards), making it borderline too tight for typical upland ranges. This isn't a design flaw but rather a characteristic of the Invector-DS system that requires shooters to carefully select their choke based on intended range. The 16-gauge ammunition availability also proved challenging—I had to special order two cases from Scheels, as local shops typically stock only 12 and 20-gauge loads. I recommend this shotgun specifically for upland hunters who appreciate the 16-gauge's balance and want the reliability of Browning's engineering, but caution waterfowl hunters that the 2.75" chamber limits your options for steel shot. Skip this if you primarily shoot clays or need high capacity—the 4+1 limitation becomes apparent quickly on busy shooting days. For the right shooter, this is one of the most pointable and reliable autoloaders available under $2,000—just factor in the ammunition availability and cost before committing.

Key attributes

upc023614997337
manufacturerBrowning
manufacturer part number0118995004
actionSemi-Auto
atf typeShotgun
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge16 Gauge
capacity4 + 1
chokes includedFull/Improved Cylinder/Modified
colorCAMOFLAGE
length39.8000
package height4.0
package width12.0
product typeShotgun
safetyCrossbolt
shipping weight14.35
sightsFS: Fiber Optic/ Ivory Mid
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
The Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen uses Browning's proprietary Invector-DS choke system, which is not cross-compatible with other choke tube patterns. You must purchase specific Invector-DS tubes from Browning or authorized dealers, with prices ranging from $35-50 per tube depending on constriction.
Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
Yes, the 49.25-inch overall length allows the shotgun to fit comfortably in most standard 52-inch cases with approximately 2.75 inches of clearance at the muzzle end. We recommend cases with internal dimensions of at least 50x10x3 inches to accommodate the humpback receiver profile.
How long does shipping take?
Standard shipping to most continental US addresses takes 3-5 business days after the mandatory 3-day waiting period for background check clearance. Express shipping options are available for an additional $45, reducing transit time to 2 business days once the firearm is released for shipment.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Firearms purchases are final sale due to federal regulations, but we offer a 30-day warranty exchange for manufacturing defects. If the length of pull doesn't suit you, we recommend aftermarket recoil pads that can reduce LOP by up to 1.25 inches for approximately $40-60 installed.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$1899.99