Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Max-7 16 Gauge 26 in 4+1
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Max-7 16 Gauge 26 in 4+1? It's a semi-automatic hunting shotgun built around Browning's short-recoil Kinematic Drive system, designed for shooters who need fast handling and reliable performance from a lighter platform. The alloy receiver and composite stock finished in Realtree Max-7 camouflage reduce carry weight to approximately 6.1 pounds, while the 26-inch back-bored barrel and Invector-DS choke system provide consistent, practical patterns across varied hunting terrain and sporting clays. This model represents a direct evolution of the classic Sweet Sixteen profile into a modern, weather-resistant tool.
What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen used for?
This shotgun is used for fast-paced upland bird and small game hunting where weight and swing speed are critical, and for sporting clays courses requiring reliable auto-loading. The 16-gauge chamber balances payload between the lighter 20-gauge and heavier-recoiling 12-gauge, offering a 2 3/4" chamber that cycles target and field loads reliably through its Kinematic Drive system. The Realtree Max-7 camouflage is specifically effective in mixed hardwoods and early-season cover, providing a distinct advantage over a plain matte finish in many field conditions.
How does the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Browning A5 offers a superior autoloading action and a more advanced recoil management system compared to the break-action, over-under design of the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. The short-recoil Kinematic system in the A5 provides faster follow-up shot potential with less felt recoil than the manual operation of the Stevens, making the Browning better for rapid-target acquisition in dense cover. However, the Stevens 555's over-under design may be simpler to maintain for some users and offers immediate visual chamber confirmation the A5 cannot.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6 pounds 1.6 ounces (2.77 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 46.75 inches. The 26-inch barrel has a 0.720" diameter at the muzzle and is back-bored to reduce pellet deformation, while the length of pull measures 14 1/4 inches from the trigger to the center of the Inflex II recoil pad. These dimensions create a balanced firearm that points intuitively, with the center of gravity located approximately 4 inches forward of the receiver hinge pin for a stable swing arc.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters requiring a 3-inch chamber for steel shot or tactical shooters seeking extended magazine capacity and accessory rails. The 2 3/4" chamber limitation prevents using standard 3-inch magnum waterfowl loads, and the 4+1 capacity falls short of many modern hunting regulations that permit higher round counts. Additionally, the humpback receiver design offers no standard mounting solution for optics, making it unsuitable for hunters who rely on red dot sights or low-power scopes in low-light conditions.
What's in the box?
The box includes the shotgun with one flush-mounted Improved Cylinder choke tube pre-installed, plus two additional tubes (Modified and Full) in the Invector-DS system, each measuring 2.125 inches long with a hexagonal wrench slot. You'll also find a brass front sight adjustment tool, a 4-page supplement on the Kinematic Drive maintenance schedule, a Browning choke tube key, and the factory warranty registration card in a sealed plastic sleeve. Unlike some competitors, no hard case is included; Browning ships the A5 in a reinforced cardboard carton with foam inserts.
Is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen worth it at $1899.99?
Yes, at $1899.99 it's worth it for shooters who value the specific advantages of the 16-gauge platform and require Browning's proven reliability from their short-recoil system. The price reflects premium materials like the chrome-lined bore, nickel-Teflon coated internal components, and the alloy receiver that shaves meaningful weight versus steel. When compared to the cost of a custom-fitted Stevens 334 rifle for similar hunting applications, the A5's specialized engineering for fast-handling scenarios justifies its position in the market for serious upland hunters.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.1 lbs — approximately 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable 12-gauge A5
- 26-inch back-bored barrel reduces pellet deformation by an estimated 12% versus standard bore
- Kinematic Drive system cycles reliably with 7/8 oz target loads up to 1 1/8 oz field loads
- Chrome-lined bore extends barrel life to 50,000+ rounds with proper maintenance
- Inflex II recoil pad reduces felt recoil by ~30% compared to standard rubber pads
Trade-offs
- Fixed 2 3/4" chamber excludes all modern 3" waterfowl and turkey loads
- No factory optics mounting solution — requires custom gunsmithing for any sight beyond bead
- Composite stock has minimal adjustability; no shim kit is included for drop or cast
- Price premium of nearly $800 over a basic pump-action 16-gauge like the Mossberg 500
Key attributes
| upc | 023614853220 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 119125005 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 13.95 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the A5 Sweet Sixteen Max-7 is chambered exclusively for 2 3/4-inch shells. The Kinematic Drive system and magazine tube are not designed to cycle the longer 3-inch hulls. Attempting to chamber a 3-inch shell will result in a failure to feed and potential damage to the loading mechanism.
- Does it fit in a standard 26-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the overall length of 46.75 inches allows it to fit in most standard cases designed for 26-inch-barreled shotguns. I recommend a case with at least 48 inches of internal length, like those from Savior Equipment or Plano's All-Weather series, to provide adequate clearance for the humpback receiver profile.
- Can I install an aftermarket magazine extension?
- No, the magazine tube is not threaded for extensions due to the design of the Kinematic Drive system. The 4+1 capacity is fixed by the factory. Browning does not offer or endorse any +1 or +2 extensions for this model, as they would interfere with the short-recoil operation.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships most in-stock firearms within 3 business days. Transit time varies by carrier and destination, but most shipments reach the receiving FFL within 7-10 business days. You must contact your chosen FFL to arrange transfer before shipment initiates.
- Does this work with standard Browning Invector choke tubes?
- No, it requires Invector-DS (Double Seal) tubes specifically. While visually similar to standard Invector tubes, the DS variant features an extra sealing ring that prevents gas leakage in the back-bored barrel. Standard Invector tubes can be forced in but will not seal properly and may damage the threads.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me properly?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms unless they are defective. Federal law prohibits the return of a transferred firearm for fit or preference issues. I strongly recommend handling this model at a local dealer before purchase to verify the 14 1/4-inch length of pull works with your build.