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June 25, 2017, 11:34 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: June 18, 2017
Posts: 29
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Received a Browning A5 16ga from my grandfather - check it out!
My grandfather has had this shotgun in his collection for a long while and he just passed it on down to me!
Serial number: 'X127--' The serial number dates it at 1947, and I can't tell if this is one of those infamous elusive 'Sweet Sixteen' from 1947 when not all were marked. Anyone know how to figure that out? Pictures below: |
June 25, 2017, 03:21 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: October 20, 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 801
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That sure is "sweet"
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June 25, 2017, 03:25 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: September 15, 2015
Posts: 379
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Very special piece, its also the higher end mode noted by the better wood, round grip bottom and of course the engraving. Should be a good shooter to.
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June 25, 2017, 05:02 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: June 18, 2017
Posts: 29
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It doesn't actually have the 'Sweet Sixteen' engraving, but I've read that 1947 is the only year that some of the Sweet Sixteen models went engraved (it has obviously been factory engraved)
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June 25, 2017, 05:03 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: June 18, 2017
Posts: 29
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I can't wait to get out to the range to shoot this one. I'd like to do some sporting clays, but the closest to me is about an hour away. I'll have to take the trip.
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June 25, 2017, 05:45 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: February 28, 2008
Location: Michigan
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Generally the Sweet Sixteens have a gold plated trigger.
Also inside the receiver at the loading port there are lightening cuts made to remove metal from the receiver. |
June 25, 2017, 08:28 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: October 20, 2012
Posts: 5,854
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Very cool! These were used in combat in Rhodesia to good effect, at least the 12 gauge version.
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June 27, 2017, 08:05 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: November 11, 2006
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In a word...
NICE!
Dismount the barrel and see if there a app., 5/8" diameter hole [3] in the barrel ring. Suggest you get new recoils spring and new friction bronze, clean the OD of magazine tube with a used scotch-brite pad and put a drop of Mobil One synthetic oil on the tube OD and watch it PUURRRR! May want to get the small bolt return spring that extends out under the top rear tang, also. ENJOY what your grandfather enjoyed! |
June 29, 2017, 02:15 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: July 8, 2016
Location: Summerville, sc
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Great looking shotgun. Nice heirloom.
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July 1, 2017, 11:09 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: April 16, 2017
Location: Waxahachie, TX
Posts: 14
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Nice!
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July 4, 2017, 07:03 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: September 19, 2000
Posts: 1,082
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Very cool......people used to think highly of the .16 gauge. Can you even buy one nowadays?
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August 13, 2017, 12:36 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: March 29, 2011
Location: Cape Fear!
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Browning makes a 16 bore in the BPS
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August 13, 2017, 02:49 PM | #13 |
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Location: Va., Ct., Mo..
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send me your serial number complete...and I can run it for you.
__________________
Retired Military Aviation Former Member Navy Shooting Team Distinguished Pistol Shot,NRA Shotgun/Pistol Instructor NSSA All American, Skeet/Trap Range Owner |
August 13, 2017, 04:56 PM | #14 |
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Join Date: September 29, 2013
Location: North Central Pennsyltucky
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That's a beauty! Keep it to give to your grandchildren, down the road!
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August 21, 2017, 10:58 PM | #15 |
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Join Date: August 19, 2001
Location: Texas
Posts: 811
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Definitely sweet. Before you shoot it the first time, verify that the recoil system is set up properly for your intended loads. Makes all the difference in the world. Enjoy!
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August 22, 2017, 06:49 PM | #16 |
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Join Date: April 8, 2009
Location: Batchelor, La.
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Don't have the numbers in front of me, not in the shop, but measure your recoil spring, the one around the mag tube, then check with a 'smith to see what a new one measures. If yours has taken a set, usually about 1" short, then replace and change the action spring at the same time. As far as lubing the mag tube, oil or gun grease smeared all over, then the excess wiped off with a clean dry rag you'll be correctly lubed and the friction rings will do their job correctly. This from Browning service rep. By the way, if you intend to do your own service, fer gawd's sake get a set of good gunsmith screwdrivers and use tips that fit correctly. Thru the years I have serviced many that Bubba used common tapered household drivers and screwed up the slots. Enjoy that fine old gun. GW
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