Description
The 16 gauge earned the nickname Gentleman's Gauge for a reason. It gives you handling close to a 20 gauge with shot payloads that flirt with 12 gauge territory, and Browning built this A5 around a smaller, dedicated 16 gauge receiver instead of just sleeving down a 12. The result is a gun that weighs right around six pounds, comes up fast, and swings like it was made for teal buzzing the decoys. The 26 inch barrel on this version keeps things quick and lively, which is exactly what you want in a flooded timber hole or a cramped layout blind.
Wicked Wing Touches That Earn Their Keep
The Wicked Wing package is more than a camo dip. The barrel and humpback receiver wear Burnt Bronze Cerakote with the Realtree Max-7 pattern laser etched into the receiver, while the composite stock and forend are fully wrapped in Max-7. The bolt and shell carrier get a nickel Teflon coating, and the chamber and bore are chromed to shrug off the wet, muddy conditions waterfowl guns live in. Oversized bolt handle and bolt release are easy to run with cold or gloved hands, and the fiber optic front sight with ivory mid bead stands out against gray winter skies. Three extended Invector-DS Goose Band choke tubes in Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder cover everything from decoying birds to passing shots.
Why the A5 Sweet Sixteen Cycles the Way It Does
Unlike most modern autoloaders, the A5 runs on Browning's recoil operated Kinematic Drive system rather than gas. That means less gunk blowing back into the action and a gun that keeps cycling when it's filthy, frozen, or soaked. Browning stands behind it with a five year, 100,000 round guarantee, which tells you how much faith they have in the design.
Fitting the Sweet Sixteen to You
The stock adjusts with included spacers for length of pull plus shims for cast and drop, so you can tune the fit instead of adapting your mounts to the gun. It ships in an ABS hard case, and with today's bismuth and quality steel loads, the 16 is very much back in the waterfowl game.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Browning
- Model: A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen
- MPN: 0119115005
- UPC: 023614853183
- Gauge: 16 Gauge
- Chamber: 2-3/4"
- Action: Semi-Auto, Kinematic Drive recoil operated
- Barrel Length: 26" vent rib, back-bored
- Capacity: 4+1
- Chokes: Extended Invector-DS Goose Band (F, M, IC)
- Sights: Fiber optic front with ivory mid bead
- Stock: Composite, Realtree Max-7 camo
- Metal Finish: Burnt Bronze Cerakote
- Overall Length: 47.63"
- Weight: Approx. 6 lbs 1 oz
- Safety: Crossbolt
What’s Included
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen shotgun
- Three extended Invector-DS Goose Band choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder)
- ABS hard case
- Length of pull stock spacers and adjustment shims
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A5 Sweet Sixteen gas operated or recoil operated?
It runs on Browning's Kinematic Drive, a short recoil operated system rather than a gas gun. That keeps powder fouling out of the action, so it stays cleaner and keeps cycling in cold, wet, and dirty conditions. Browning backs the system with a five year or 100,000 round guarantee.
Is this Sweet Sixteen built on a true 16 gauge receiver?
Yes, and that is a big part of the appeal. Browning scaled the receiver specifically to the 16 gauge instead of building it on a heavier 12 gauge frame, which brings the weight down to roughly six pounds. You get a shotgun that carries all day and swings quickly without giving up much payload.
What size shells does the Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen accept?
It has a 2-3/4 inch chamber, which matches essentially all factory 16 gauge ammo since 3 inch loads are not made for the gauge. Modern steel, bismuth, and tungsten blend 16 gauge waterfowl loads are widely available and pair very well with this gun. The magazine holds four rounds plus one in the chamber.
Can I adjust the fit of the stock on this A5?
You can. It comes with spacers to change the length of pull along with shims that adjust cast and drop, so most folks can dial in a proper fit at home. The composite stock also has textured grip panels that hold up well in wet weather.



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