16ga.com ~ View topic

Well Jeff. It's not a standard sixteen as I have one of them also. It's a half pound lighter then the standard. It has the gold trigger, though it is partly worn off and it's marked sweet sixteen on the reciever. I hope the photo comes through[img][URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2397643190099813036QDMMoW]

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Okay my mistake. Serial # S95270http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2397643190099813036QDMMoW

Member Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 781

Crap in crap out........

The "S" you omitted sure makes a difference, this gun was made in the spring of '57, probably in May or June.

IMO, the nicest A5's came out of Belgium from the late '40s to the late 50's.

This gun has all the improvents including 2 3/4" chamber, cross block safety and 2 piece lifter....

And it has none of the detractions, caustic blue, fullerplast wood finish, flat knob stocks, block letter buttplates.....

Good one, enjoy it!!!

Jeff

Jeff. Do you have a good list of the dates pertaining to the A-5's? I have the standard 16 serial # X33202 and a 12 gauge 2-3/4" serial # 185863, on the 12 gauge it is also stamped with the serial # FN and a star stamped there.I also have one of the last A-5's made, that is a magnum 12. I don't shoot the 12 gauges.

Member Joined: 25 Jul 2006 Posts: 781

oldhunter,

Your standard sixteen was built in the fall of 1949, probably late November.

Your 12 ga 185863 was built in early 1935.

I currently have 5 A5's, but have never owned a 12 Mag, never been intererested. I've yet to need a 3" shells payload. That may be why I'm a fan of the 16, there is very little need for "more" gun.

I shot a lot of geese with a 16 ga this year. All were "commited" birds over decoys,

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. I've never shot the magnum 12. I bought it from a guy that needed money, so I picked it up for $300.00. It was in the last years of the A-5. I just like Brownings. I shoot the sixteens Mostly except for my LC Smith sxs which was 100 years old last year. Now if I can just find a good buy on a sixteen LC Smith.I'll be taking the new(to me) sweet sixteen out on the next pheasant hunt.

My dad has a light 12 A5 he bought new in '58 or '59; shot it less than 50 times, I'd wager;still looks brand spankin' new. It'll be mine someday...not under great circumstances. I'd like to have a same vintage Sweet Sixteen to make a pair.

Member Joined: 27 Oct 2006 Posts: 161 Location: New Mexico

Speak of good timing. Last weekend I shot a round of skeet with my M12 16ga (vintage 1938) and a round of trap with my Sweet 16 (vintage 1955). Both have Pachmayr whiteline pads installed. The Sweet has less recoil than the 12, but I'd say neither is particularly a bruiser. My 12ga Beretta O/U with the gel pad and light loads beats me worse.