Browning Auto-5 A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Ga. 27.5” Semi Auto Shotgun, 1936 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,525.00

LSB#:  LSB250803JT012

Make:  Browning Arms

Model: A5

Serial Number: 103364

Year of Manufacture: 1936. This Sweet Sixteen was produced before the model was even catalogued by Browning. The Sweet Sixteen was a lightened version of the standard 16 gauge that Browning lightened to reduce swing weight as much as possible. This very early example has some unique features that are not present in later production of the Sweet Sixteen. 

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 9/16” Chamber

Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY OGDEN UTAH / FULL 16 SPECIAL STEEL”. The left side of the receiver is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO / BROWNING / TRADE MARK”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “103364”.

Barrel Length: 27.5″

Choke: Fixed: Full.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white color blade on the top of the rib. The top of the receiver and rib has checkering for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded semi-pistol grip, straight comb, black hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stock has little to no wear. There are a couple very faint scratches and compression marks. The checkering remains well defined and semi-sharp. The forend has deep compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. There is plastic fouling down the length. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no wear. There are scratches and spots of finish loss. Most of the wear is on the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent 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: This shotgun comes with an authentic letter from Browning.

Our Assessment: This Browning Auto-5 is a very well preserved example of the classic long-recoil A-5 and presents in Excellent overall condition. The shotgun retains approximately 98% of its original blue finish with only minimal handling wear and a few light scratches concentrated on the receiver. The two-piece checkered walnut stocks are in Excellent condition with well-defined checkering, only faint compression marks and no chips or cracks (the forend does show some deeper compression marks). The bore is bright with no visible erosion (plastic fouling noted) and rates 9/10 in the writer’s opinion. Markings and serials are clear and the screw heads are sharp.

On inspection the long-recoil action functions correctly; the shotgun has not been test-fired. As with all previously owned firearms, a professional cleaning (to remove the noted plastic fouling) and safety check are recommended prior to use. The included authentic letter from Browning adds desirable provenance, making this A-5 a strong candidate both as a high-quality shooter with careful use and as a collectible piece for those seeking an original 1936 Browning Auto-5. Please see our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P