Browning SIXTEEN: Lightweight 16-Gauge Hunting Shotgun

When you want a hunting shotgun that blends classic handling with modern reliability, you want something that performs without fuss in real-world conditions. This review dives into a 16-gauge autoloader built for fields, marshes, and the person who values lightweight handling with serious durability.

BROWNING A5 WICKED WING SWEET SIXTEEN

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Overview

The BROWNING A5 WICKED WING SWEET SIXTEEN revives a storied autoloading platform in a 16-gauge package aimed at hunters who want faster handling and lighter carry weight without giving up the reliability of modern short-recoil operation. Browning’s Wicked Wing edition adds field-focused finishes and practical upgrades that improve corrosion resistance and day-to-day usability.

Design & Finish

This Sweet Sixteen swaps bulk for agility. The smaller 16-gauge humpback receiver reduces overall weight and speeds handling, making it ideal for quick-target acquisition during upland hunts or in tight blind spaces. The receiver and barrel show off Burnt Bronze Cerakote combined with Browning Vintage Tan camo finishes—both aesthetic and functional choices designed to resist wear in wet, gritty environments.

Coatings and corrosion resistance

Browning didn’t stop at looks. The bolt and shell carrier have a nickel Teflon coating for increased lubricity and protection of moving parts. The chamber and bore are chromed to resist wear and corrosion from repeated use and exposure to varied ammunition—an attention to longevity that matters in a field gun.

Key Features Explained

Several practical features separate this autoloader from off-the-shelf alternatives:

Short-recoil autoloading with proven guarantee

The short-recoil autoloading system is a defining trait. It delivers consistent cycling across loads and is backed by a 5 year/100,000 round guarantee—Browning staking confidence in the platform’s durability under heavy use.

Controls and ergonomics

An oversized bolt release and extended bolt handle provide positive manipulation even with gloves or in cold, wet conditions. Those are the little details that make retrieving a stuck round or clearing a malfunction faster and less fiddly when time matters.

Choke system

The shotgun ships with extended Invector-DS Goose Band choke tubes—optimized for waterfowl patterns and heavier payloads at longer ranges. For hunters who switch between upland and waterfowl loads, that versatility in pattern choices is a real advantage.

Performance & Handling

What the 16-gauge offers is a compelling balance: less recoil than a 12-gauge with payload and patterning that still suit serious wingshooting. The shorter overall weight and the humpback receiver encourage fast shoulder-to-target times and less fatigue over a long walk. The autoloader’s cycle remains steadfast through mixed loads thanks to the short-recoil design and the protective coatings that keep friction low.

Field applications

Use this gun for upland birds where quick pointing and a nimble platform matter, and for spring or late-season waterfowl when you want reliable functioning in cold, wet conditions. Its extended Invector-DS chokes and goose-specific banding make it especially relevant for larger waterfowl loads, while the overall balance shines flush in cover and brush.

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Durability & Maintenance

Regular cleaning is straightforward—chromed bore and chamber simplify removal of lead and powder residues. The nickel Teflon coating on the bolt and shell carrier lowers wear and helps keep the autoloader reliable through high-round-count seasons. Cerakote on the receiver and barrel not only looks good but provides extra abrasion resistance in real hunting conditions.

Serviceability

Oversized controls reduce the chance of fumbling during field stripping or clearing. Browning’s five-year/100,000 round guarantee underlines the company’s expectation that owners will keep using this shotgun heavily; that confidence translates to a design that’s meant to be serviced and relied upon rather than replaced.

Buying Considerations

At a price of $2030.99, the Sweet Sixteen sits at a premium-but-justified point for serious hunters who want a lightweight 16-gauge autoloader with modern corrosion protection and practical field features. If you value handling, long-term reliability, and factory finishes that hold up to the elements, this is a strong contender.

Who this is for

Hunters who prioritize nimble handling—upland enthusiasts, blind hunters who need a quick-shoulder gun, and anyone who wants a lighter alternative to a 12-gauge without sacrificing functional reliability—will get the most value. The extended goose-band chokes also make it attractive for waterfowlers looking for a compact, autoloading option.

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Built for hunters who want a lightweight, fast-handling shotgun with modern finishes and proven autoloading reliability, the BROWNING A5 WICKED WING SWEET SIXTEEN brings thoughtful hardware—oversized controls, nickel Teflon coatings, chromed bore and chamber, and extended Invector-DS goose chokes—into a 16-gauge package backed by a meaningful guarantee and field-ready finishes.

People Also Ask

What makes this product stand out from competitors?

This product offers superior quality and innovative features that set it apart in the market. Its design focuses on both performance and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Is this product suitable for beginners?

Yes, this product is designed with user-friendly features that make it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced capabilities for experienced users.

What warranty or support is available?

The product comes with comprehensive warranty coverage and excellent customer support to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind.

How does this compare to similar products in its price range?

This product offers exceptional value for its price point, providing features and quality that typically cost significantly more in comparable alternatives.

What maintenance is required?

Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the product’s durable construction and quality materials. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections will keep it performing optimally.