Browning a5 16g ...Sweet?

[axeman_g]

All,

walked into my range today and there were a bunch of long guns on consignement. SERIOUSLY neglected. There were two A5 16g, both Belgian. Choose the one that looked less neglected, cleaned it out (serious surfact rust and dirt in action and bore) and it gleams now with minor pitting I think I can clean out with J&B

I will post later a full report, but my real question

What is difference between A5 16g and a SWEET SIXTEEN?

I have seen a5s with "SWEET SIXTEEN" echted in side of receiver, this one doesnt have it.

 

[DorGunR]

This is a pic of an A5 16ga that my gunsmith is working on for me, it doesnt show in the pic but someone in the past installed a Poly Choke on it, I'm gonna leave it there. I also have an A5 in 12 ga that is in great condition.

 

[axeman_g]

durnit

well, now I see the problem. It is a 2 9/16 chambering! Durnit... I could not see the markings under all the crud. Otherwisem, the gun is fantastic. A few rust pots, only one is big enough to make me fuss over. The wood is great with a redish color to it the seperates it from all my other shotguns. Is has an engraved ribbind, bead sight, early style safety which is great for my lefty hands.

Serial number is 12##03.

I think I am going to have to find a great gunsmith to bore that chamber out for me.

 

[gezzer]

There is more to it than lengthening the chamber, the ejection cutout hast to be enlargened also. Save the money and buy 2 1/2" shells for it. they are available from several makers, Kent in particular.

 

[TrapperReady]

Without a doubt, I'd leave the gun alone and just get some 2 1/2" shells. In fact, that's precisely what I did when I ended up with a short-chambered 16ga A-5. I got shells from Westley Richards, but they were pricey... especially after shipping was figured in. I ended up with one case of 7/8 oz shells of #7 shot, and one case of 1 oz shells of #6 shot.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Polywad carries 16 gauge 2 1/2" shells in both regular and spreader loads. BP sells components and cases.

HTH....