Received a Browning A5 16ga from my grandfather - check it out!

Brancasterr · June 25, 2017, 11:34 AM

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:

upstate81 · June 25, 2017, 03:21 PM

That sure is "sweet"

Minorcan · June 25, 2017, 03:25 PM

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.

Brancasterr · June 25, 2017, 05:02 PM

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)

Brancasterr · June 25, 2017, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minorcan

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.

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.

jaguarxk120 · June 25, 2017, 05:45 PM

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.

Model12Win · June 25, 2017, 08:28 PM

Very cool! These were used in combat in Rhodesia to good effect, at least the 12 gauge version.

jrothWA · June 27, 2017, 08:05 PM

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!

Soclosenotnear · June 29, 2017, 02:15 PM

Great looking shotgun. Nice heirloom.

Equin · July 1, 2017, 11:09 PM

Nice!

Arizona Fusilier · July 4, 2017, 07:03 PM

Very cool......people used to think highly of the .16 gauge. Can you even buy one nowadays?

baddarryl · August 13, 2017, 12:36 PM

Browning makes a 16 bore in the BPS

stuckinthe60s · August 13, 2017, 02:49 PM

send me your serial number complete...and I can run it for you.

Tony Z · August 13, 2017, 04:56 PM

That's a beauty! Keep it to give to your grandchildren, down the road!

Sgt Pepper · August 21, 2017, 10:58 PM

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!

Goatwhiskers · August 22, 2017, 06:49 PM

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

June 25, 2017, 11:34 AM	#1
Brancasterr Member Join Date: June 18, 2017 Posts: 29	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 27, 2017, 08:05 PM	#8
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	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!

August 13, 2017, 02:49 PM	#13
stuckinthe60s Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2017 Location: Va., Ct., Mo.. Posts: 877	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

June 25, 2017, 03:21 PM	#2
upstate81 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2011 Location: NY Posts: 801	That sure is "sweet"

June 25, 2017, 03:25 PM	#3
Minorcan Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2015 Posts: 379	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.

June 25, 2017, 05:02 PM	#4
Brancasterr Member Join Date: June 18, 2017 Posts: 29	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)

June 25, 2017, 05:45 PM	#6
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	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
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Very cool! These were used in combat in Rhodesia to good effect, at least the 12 gauge version.

June 29, 2017, 02:15 PM	#9
Soclosenotnear Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2016 Location: Summerville, sc Posts: 163	Great looking shotgun. Nice heirloom.

July 1, 2017, 11:09 PM	#10
Equin Junior Member Join Date: April 16, 2017 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 14	Nice!

July 4, 2017, 07:03 PM	#11
Arizona Fusilier Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2000 Posts: 1,082	Very cool......people used to think highly of the .16 gauge. Can you even buy one nowadays?

August 13, 2017, 12:36 PM	#12
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	Browning makes a 16 bore in the BPS

August 13, 2017, 04:56 PM	#14
Tony Z Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2013 Location: North Central Pennsyltucky Posts: 749	That's a beauty! Keep it to give to your grandchildren, down the road!

August 21, 2017, 10:58 PM	#15
Sgt Pepper Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 811	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!

August 22, 2017, 06:49 PM	#16
Goatwhiskers Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2009 Location: Batchelor, La. Posts: 579	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