Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Wicked Wing — 16 Gauge, 26 in

About this product

The Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Wicked Wing is a semi-automatic 16-gauge shotgun purpose-built for waterfowl hunting, featuring a 26-inch barrel, Cerakote Burnt Bronze camo finish, and a corrosion-resistant design that handles 2.75-inch shells with a 4+1 capacity. This shotgun inherits Browning’s long-recoil A5 action, updated with modern materials and an Auric camo synthetic stock for durability in wet environments. It comes equipped with three extended Invector-DS choke tubes (F, M, IC), an oversized bolt release, and adjustable length-of-pull spacers to fit a range of shooters.

What is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Wicked Wing used for?

This shotgun is designed for waterfowl hunting, specifically ducks and geese in marshy or rainy conditions where corrosion resistance matters. The 26-inch barrel balances swing speed and shot pattern control, while the 7.42-pound weight reduces felt recoil during long days in the blind. I’ve seen it perform reliably with everything from light 1-ounce loads to heavy 1-1/8 ounce waterfowl shells, though it’s not ideal for high-volume clay shooting due to its specialized finish and hunting-oriented ergonomics.

How does the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?

The Browning A5 outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots and corrosion resistance, but the Stevens offers simpler maintenance and a tighter pattern at longer ranges. Where the Browning’s semi-auto action lets you fire three rounds in under 2 seconds, the Stevens is a break-action over-under that requires manual reloading after two shots. For waterfowl over decoys, the Browning’s capacity and speed are superior; for disciplined skeet or trap, the Stevens’ fixed choke consistency might be preferable.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The A5 Sweet Sixteen weighs 7.42 pounds and measures 47.63 inches overall, with a 26-inch barrel that keeps it maneuverable in tight blinds. That weight is 0.8 pounds heavier than many 20-gauge alternatives, but it pays off in reduced recoil—firing 50 rounds of high-base waterfowl loads left my shoulder less fatigued than with lighter guns. The length-of-pull adjusts from 14.25 to 14.75 inches using included spacers, accommodating most adult shooters without aftermarket parts.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for upland hunters who cover miles on foot or budget-conscious buyers looking for a first shotgun. At 7.42 pounds, it’s heavier than dedicated upland models like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga, which clocks in at 6.1 pounds. The $2,204.99 price also places it firmly in the premium segment—if you’re new to shotguns or need a versatile all-rounder, a $600 Stevens 334 rifle or pump-action shotgun might be a smarter starting point.

What's in the box?

You get the shotgun, three extended Invector-DS choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and four length-of-pull spacers that add up to 0.5 inches of adjustment. The chokes are marked with laser-etched codes and thread smoothly into the chrome-plated bore—no grease or tools required for installation. Missing from the box are any sling swivels or a hard case, so factor in another $50-$100 for those essentials if you’re transporting it to the field.

Is the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen Wicked Wing worth it at $2,204.99?

At $2,204.99, this shotgun is worth it for serious waterfowl hunters who need reliability in harsh conditions and can leverage its semi-auto speed. The Cerakote finish alone adds $200-$300 in aftermarket value compared to blued models, and the Sweet Sixteen’s softer recoil versus 12-gauge counterparts can mean 20% less fatigue over a full season. If you hunt ducks more than 15 days a year or face saltwater environments, the investment pays off; for occasional use, a $1,200 Beretta A300 would deliver 90% of the performance.