16ga.com ~ View topic - Browning Sweet 16 with serial number "S356" or &qu

Hi,

I am a new member. This is a great website and I have learned a lot. I just recieved a Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen from my fiance's grandfather (along with a pre-64 Winchester Model 70 .30-06!). I am awaiting the California 10 day waiting period to pick it up from the FFL it was shipped to here. However, I did get a chance to inspect it and saw that the serial number is "S356" or maybe just "356" (the "S" was slighty high and left of the number -- it wasn't clear if it was part of the seriel number). I tried to look it up on the Browning website but it does not seem to appear in the range of serial numbers listed. I also noted that the barrel said it was made in Missouri and that, among other markings, it had the following stamped on it: "** SPECIAL STEEL 16 GAUGE-SHELLS 2 3/4". I believe I read something about the significance of the "**" here but I have forgotten and will have to find it again. The butt plate siad "FN" so I assume it was made in Belgium?

I ordered the "Browning Auto-5 Shotguns: The Belgian FN Production" by H. M. and Vanderlinden and Anthony Shirley Jr. via Amazon but it will not get here for a few days and I'm not sure if it would help me with the serial numbers anyway. I was hoping someone on this list may have an idea when this 16 gauge was made. It seems to have a "low" seriel number which may make it an early production?

Anyway, thanks for any help or leads figuring this out.

Cheers,
Aaron

Welcome! Check this thread and scroll down just a bit for the Sweet 16 serial #s http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1498
Looks to me like it might be 55'

Here are the Browning choke markings:
* =Full. *- = Imp. Mod., ** = Mod., **- = Imp.Cly., **$ = Skeet and *** = Cly.

We've got several Sweet 16 specialist who should be along soon Very Happy

Wow! That was fast. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! It would appear, looking at the link you sent me, that it is a '53. Cool Smile

Member Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 781

Aaron,

You have the year correctly established, but I would add that your gun was shipped from the FN factory in November 1953. That's based on the fact that S-01 shipped Nov 19, 1953 and the numbers were up to S-3700 by then end of the year.

IMO your gun was made during the best period for 16 ga A5's. It was made in Belgium, has the 2 3/4" chambers, has the cross block safety (new in '51) it's rust blued and the stock should have a horn buttplate and the workmanship was great in those years.

It may have the speed load feature, but it's right on the cusp of this change and may not. Let us know!

As previously noted your ** code indicates the gun is choked MOD.

Let us know if you have any questions when you get it,

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the detailed information. I am glad you think it is a particularly good production one. I'll send pictures when I get the shotgun. I'm supposed to pick it up Dec. 7th. How do I check to see if it has a speed loader? (obviously, I am new to shotguns but excited to learn more about them, especially the Browning SS).

As an aside, I am a big fan of Browning's designs (I own a model 1911-style handgun and have "all" the "technical" books on it) and would like to learn as much as possible about the A5 system too -- how it works, how to take it *completely* apart, clean it and keep it in good working order. When I get it in hand, I'll probably take it apart and take a look inside in order to ensure a good cleaning and oiling. I hope it is fine, but if I do happen to find pieces that are particularly rusted or pieces with stress fractures or chiped or what have you, do you (or anybody) know if there is/are A5 parts supplier/s (like the third-party 1911 parts suppliers) that I can order replacement parts from? Or pehaps a good gunsmith that is knowledgable about and has extensive experience with A5 repairs and has the parts?

Cheers,
Aaron

http://www.gunmaintenance.com/ has detailed instructions for disassembly.
Looks like you picked a great family to marry into Very Happy

Member Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 781

First, almost nothing wears out on an A5. Second, parts are readily available, there is no need or benefit to using aftermarket parts.

The MS Duckman link you were given is all you need to know for a strip clean and lube.

Shoot it before taking it apart, make sure it is cycling properly. That way if it does not cycle after you work on it you can feel responsible Crying or Very sad

.

Try Midwest Gunworks,

http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi

Make sure you have the proper fitted gun screw drivers and know how to use them or you'll do $75 in damage in the first 30 minutes. Nothing ruins the look of a good gun than banged up screw heads. You'll also need a couple of pin punches (2 sizes), hard store variety will do.

You'll know it's a Browning when you take it apart.

For more conversation specific to A5's try the Browning BBS on shotgunworld.com Among other things the info on setting the friction rings for different power loads is on that page and you should familiarize yourself to it.

Enjoy the gun!

Jeff

Thanks again for the suggestions an links! I did notice that the screws on the gun were a little butchered already Sad

so I doubt I could do much more damage there Smile

I'll do as you suggest and shoot a couple shells through it first... and THEN take it apart and inspect/clean it (as per the MS Duckman site). If I find something that I can't fix or need advice about, I'll send it to a professional.

I did send an email to MGW and they've already gotten back to me with the following info (I'm posting this in case anyone else reading this has wondered what they charge for these services):

tear down and inspect: $65
function test: $15
return freight: ~$30

They said if they found any problems they would obviously let me know and give me further recommendations. I've never worked with a gunsmith before so I don't know what prices usually are but these seem fair enough. These guys seem top-notch. So peace of mind can be had for $110 Smile

Again, thanks for all the info Revdocdrew and Jeff M!

Member Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 781

The function test is actually kind of funny. The need to shoot it to see if they put all the bits and pieces back in the right places....and they charge you for that! Shocked

That being said, MGW has a good rep with the A5 crowd, but learning how they work is good fun....do it your self and if you screw up, MGW is always there to help.

You should buy a set of screwdrivers made to fit the A5 screws (from Brownells) and for the really banged up screws you can buy replacements from MGW, they are in stock.

Jeff