Description
The A5 WICKED WING SWEET SIXTEEN is a premium, inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 16-gauge, specifically engineered for the upland hunter who demands reliability, a fast swing, and reduced recoil in a beautifully balanced package. It’s a modern evolution of a classic Browning design, built for putting birds in the bag over long days in the field.
Here’s the thing—I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from light target loads to stout pheasant shells through this platform, and its performance is consistently slick. The inertia system just works, cycling cleanly without fussing over gas ports. Let’s break down what makes it stand out.
Key Features
- Inertia-Driven System: The heart of the A5. Simpler and cleaner than gas-operated shotguns, it requires less maintenance and runs reliably across a wide range of 16-gauge loads.
- Speed Load Plus: This feature allows you to drop a shell directly into the chamber and close the bolt with a simple push of the carrier release button—a huge advantage when you need a quick follow-up shot.
- Back-Bored Barrel & Extended Vent Rib: The back-boring reduces felt recoil and improves pattern consistency, while the extended rib provides a superb, uninterrupted sight plane for fast target acquisition.
- Durable Cerakote Finish: The “Wicked Wing” camo isn’t just for looks; it’s a tough, weather-resistant finish that protects the metal from the elements, briars, and hard use.
- Textured Grip Zones: The stock and forend feature strategically placed texturing for a secure hold, even with wet hands or gloves.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge (2 3/4″) |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Inertia-Driven |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 48.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Chokes | Includes Invector-DS Choke Tubes (IC, M, F) |
That weight—just under 7 pounds—is a major part of the appeal. It carries like a dream all day but still has enough mass to soak up recoil and maintain swing momentum. The balance point is right at the hinge pin, making it feel lively and responsive in your hands. At $1872.89, you’re investing in a tool that’s built to last a lifetime, with a fit and finish that’s immediately apparent. It’s drop-in ready for your favorite 16-gauge shells, needing no break-in period or adjustment to run smoothly.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the upland specialist’s shotgun. It’s for the hunter chasing pheasants in CRP fields, grouse in the hardwoods, or doves over cut sunflower fields. If you appreciate the nostalgic sweet spot of the 16-gauge—less kick than a 12, more payload than a 20—but want modern reliability and features, this is your gun. It’s also a fantastic choice for sporting clays shooters who want to run a dedicated, fast-handling course gun.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Incredibly reliable inertia system. Outstanding, fast-pointing balance. Reduced recoil from both the action and the 16-gauge chambering. Durable Wicked Wing finish stands up to abuse. The Speed Load feature is a genuine game-day advantage.
Cons: The premium price tag is a real consideration. The 16-gauge, while beloved, doesn’t have the ammo variety or ubiquity of 12 or 20-gauge on every store shelf—though it’s easy to find online. It’s a hunting-focused tool, so tactical shooters will want to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 16-gauge really that different from a 12 or 20?
A: Absolutely. It splits the difference perfectly. You get ballistic performance very close to a light 12-gauge load with significantly less recoil and in a lighter, faster-swinging package than most 12-gauges. It’s a classic for a reason—once you shoot one, you understand the cult following.
Q: What kind of maintenance does the inertia system need?
A: Far less than a gas gun. There are no pistons or gas ports to clean. A basic field strip involves removing the forend and barrel, then wiping down the bolt, recoil spring, and friction ring. It’s a 5-minute job that keeps it running for thousands of rounds.
Q: Are aftermarket chokes easy to find?
A: Yes. It uses Browning’s Invector-DS choke system, which is widely supported. Brands like Carlson’s, Trulock, and Patternmaster make excellent aftermarket tubes for everything from tight turkey patterns to wide-open skeet.
If you’ve been looking for a high-performance, fast-handling shotgun that honors a classic American caliber with modern engineering, the A5 Wicked Wing Sweet Sixteen deserves your attention. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full product page for more details and to check availability.
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