Browning Sweet Sixteens

[USMC2531]

Hello,

I've done some research on Browning Sweet Sixteens and have some basic information however, I can't for the life of me decipher the Serial Numbering System. Does anyone has a list of serial numbers year by year that would tell that a 16 ga. is a sweet sixteen?

Also, and probably my biggest question, are there things "people" do to try and decieve people into thinking they're buying a Sweet Sixteen when in fact it is just a regular 16 ga.

I would be very interested and appreciative of ANY & ALL information anyone would contribute to this thread about Sweet Sixteens. Photograph's of serial number's, markings, changes, or any other important information would be great.

I'm trying to put some reference material together and would really like to see how much reference information we can get into one thread on them.

Many thanks,
Steve

 

[Liberty1776]

I've seen a lot of guns listed for sale as "Sweet Sixteens" when they're not. The actual Sweet Sixteen model has those words on the receiver, as far as I know...

 

[451 Detonics]

 

[Kendal Black]

Browning's serial number page: http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=13

 

[oneounceload]

Try here as well:

http://proofhouse.com/

 

[chas08]

I've seen a lot of guns listed for sale as "Sweet Sixteens" when they're not. The actual Sweet Sixteen model has those words on the receiver, as far as I know...

That is true and if I recall correctly, they are lighter in weight than the standard 16ga A5 also.

 

[Ole Humpback]

As far as I understand, Brownings verifiable serial number system goes back to 1951 or 1952. Thats when my now passed on Uncles Sweet Sixteen was made.

 

[chas08]

I found this while surfing the sweet 16 on the net. It's a pretty good read.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/16_gauge_wakeman.htm

 

[USMC2531]

Good stuff so. I appreciate all the information and links.