Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge Semi Automatic Shotgun MFD 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,905.00
LSB: WY240911RL075
Make: Browning Arms Company
Model: Sweet Sixteen
Serial Number: X947229
Year of Manufacture: 1953
Gauge: 16 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Operated Semi Automatic, Internal tube magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO / SPECIAL STEEL / 16 GAUGE – SHELLS 2 ¾ / 0KG790” And Belgian proof marks. The left side of the receiver is marked “SWEET SIXTEEN BROWNING” The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM” The bolt is marked with Belgian proof marks. The bottom of the receiver is marked “X947229” The left side of the rib is marked “SIMMONS SPECIALTIES PATENT”
Barrel Length: 27.5”
Choke: Fixed Improved Cylinder
Sights / Optics: The sights are a bead mounted to the top of the ventilated rib, a steel post mounted to the middle of the rib, and the top of the receiver and rib are serrated to reduce glare while aiming.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a 2 piece wood stock. fluted straight comb, ventilated rubber buttpad, checkered prince of whales grip, and checkered forend. The LOP is 14.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are some scratches on the stock. There are no chips or cracks. The stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and there is no erosion in the bore. There is some fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are some minor scratches and scuffs on the barrel and receiver. The rib has been replaced with a Simmons rib. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are soft but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Browning Automatic 5, most often Auto-5 or simply A-5, is a recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed by John Browning. The Browning Auto-5 was the first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun. Designed by John Browning in 1898 and patented in 1900, it was produced continually for almost 100 years by several makers with production ending in 1998. It features a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname “Humpback”. Browning presented his design to Winchester, where he had sold his rifle designs, but they refused his terms. He then went to Remington, but the president of the company died while he was waiting to offer them the gun. Browning then took the gun to FN in Europe and was so confident of his design that his first order was for 10,000 shotguns. The design was later licensed to Remington for their Model 11 and to Savage Arms for their Models 720 and 755.
This Auto-5 is a Sweet Sixteen model which was built in 1953 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 16 GA. 2 3/4” shells and has a 27 ½” barrel. The gun has been refinished and the rib replaced. This should make for a great classic hunting gun, but would also be a neat addition to a Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding! -M.C.
