Description
The A5 WICKED WING SWEET SIXTEEN is a premium semi-automatic shotgun designed for the serious waterfowl and upland hunter. It blends Browning’s iconic A5 heritage with modern performance features, offering reliable inertia-driven operation and specialized handling in a classic 16-gauge chambering. This model provides a distinct balance of power and shootability for hunters seeking a step up from standard 12-gauges without sacrificing performance.
Key Features
- Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto System: Known for reliable cycling with a wide range of loads, from light target to heavy waterfowl shells.
- 16-Gauge Chambering: Delivers effective power with less recoil and a lighter overall carry compared to many 12-gauge models—a practical trade-off for all-day hunts.
- Wicked Wing Camo Pattern: Durable, all-weather finish designed to break up your silhouette in marsh and field environments.
- Lightweight Profile: Easier to swing and carry over long distances, which is a major value for the walking hunter.
- 3″ Chamber: Handles a versatile range of 16-gauge ammunition for various game.
Specs & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Action | Semi-Automatic (Inertia-Driven) |
| Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ (typical for model) |
| Overall Length | Approx. 48.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
The approximate 6.5 lb weight is a key data point, making it noticeably lighter than many comparable 12-gauge autoloaders. This translates directly to less fatigue. That said, the price point of $1976.39 positions it as a significant investment, so let’s see where the value really stacks up against other high-end hunting shotguns like the Beretta A400 or Franchi Affinity.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for the dedicated hunter who prioritizes a fast, pointable gun for birds. It’s ideal for the Missouri waterfowler chasing ducks in timber or the upland hunter pursuing pheasants and quail across fields. If you’ve found 12-gauges to be a bit too much gun for a full day afield but still demand reliable semi-auto performance, the Sweet Sixteen offers a compelling middle ground. It’s also a great fit for shooters who appreciate the classic A5 lineage but want modern camo and materials.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The lighter 16-gauge platform significantly reduces felt recoil, making practice and long hunts more pleasant. The inertia system is famously simple and reliable with minimal maintenance. The Wicked Wing camo is effective and durable straight from the factory—no gunsmithing required to get it field-ready. You get Browning’s quality and the A5’s legendary handling at a price that, while high, is often below comparable custom-grade waterfowl guns.
Cons: The upfront cost is substantial. Ammunition for 16-gauge, while available, is not as ubiquitous or cheap as 12 or 20-gauge shells, impacting long-term shooting costs. For a budget-conscious buyer, the question is whether the specific handling benefits outweigh the ammo availability and price difference compared to a proven 12-gauge workhorse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 16-gauge powerful enough for geese and turkey?
A: With modern 3″ shells using non-toxic shot like Bismuth or Tungsten, the 16-gauge is perfectly capable for geese at reasonable ranges and is an excellent choice for turkey. It’s all about using the right load for the game—don’t underestimate it.
Q: Can I use 2 3/4″ shells in this shotgun?
A: Yes, the 3″ chamber will safely fire standard 2 3/4″ 16-gauge shells. The inertia system typically cycles them reliably, giving you great versatility from light target loads to heavy magnums.
Q: What kind of choke system does it use?
A: The A5 Wicked Wing uses Browning’s Invector-DS choke tube system. This is a common and excellent system, and chokes are widely available from brands like Browning, Carlson’s, and Patternmaster for tuning your pattern.
When you weigh the cost against a day spent in a blind or a long walk through CRP fields, the value of a lighter, reliable gun becomes clear. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, requiring an FFL transfer for firearm purchases. If the classic 16-gauge appeal and reduced recoil align with your hunting style, it represents a serious bang-for-your-buck in the premium shotgun category. See if it’s the right fit for your next season.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.