Browning A-5 “Sweet Sixteen”, 16-Gauge Semi-Automatic Shotgun, Made in Belgium in 1964
Description:
Browning A-5, “Sweet Sixteen”, 16-gauge semi-automatic shotgun with a 25-inch, IMPROVED CYLINDER choke barrel with 2¾ chamber, a rounded-knob pistol grip, and a gold-colored trigger. The length of pull is approximately 14½ inches. Measure on the line of receiver, the drop at the comb is 1¾ inches, and the drop at the heel is 2½ inches. Based on the date code (4S 29181) the year of manufacture is 1964; it was made in Belgium. There are no box, owner’s manual, or other accessories with this shotgun.
The left side of the barrel is stamped with “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY SAINT LOUIS Mo & MONTREAL P.Q. (first line) and “MADE IN BELGIUM” (second line). Just forward of the receiver are several proof marks (see photos). The right side of the barrel is stamped with “** – SPECIAL STEEL-16 GAUGE-SHELLS 2¾””.
The left side of the receiver is stamped with “Sweet Sixteen” (first line, in script print). Further down is stamped with “R” with circle (second line), “BROWNING” (second line), and a portrait of John Browing (third line). These last three line are enclosed in a floral engraving. The right side and top of the receiver and the tang is stamped with a floral pattern.
The overall condition of the gun is 85+ percent owning primarily to the condition of the stock and forend, while several other parts are in better condition. The barrel itself is about 95+ percent. On the left side of the barrel, about 2½ inches forward of the receiver, there is a small rub on “MONTREAL”. There is another rub on the bottom of the barrel about two inches forward of the forend cap. The receiver, including the tang, is about 92-93 percent, showing 90+ percent of its bluing with handling wear on the forward and lower portions of receiver. The trigger guard and its tail are in about 90 percent condition due to thinning blue from handling.
The walnut forend and pistol grip are clearly what brings this gun down to 85+ percent. The finish on the forend and pistol grip, particularly the areas most handled by shooters (checkering and area close to the receiver), have thinned, allowing moisture and body oil to seep into and darken the wood over time. On the left side of the forend, on the top, middle, and bottom of the forend just forward of the receiver are several scrapes that are through the finish. On the right side of the receiver, about an inch forward of the receiver is another scrape that is through the finish. These scrapes have also allowed the same darkening effect from moisture. Despite its darkened appearance, the checkering on the forend and pistol grip is in excellent condition – it is deep and crisp with no damage. The rest of the stock, i.e., that portion behind the pistol grip is in better condition than the forend and has an attractive appearance. It does have several of what I call line dents – dents that are ¼ inch to an inch or so that do not penetrate the finish and were probably cause by bumping the gun along a hard surface. There are four or five other very small dents, BB-size or smaller, that have penetrated the finish. One in particular is on the left side of the stock, about 3½ inches forward of the butt plate; it is more of a scratch (3/8 inch) and a couple BB-size chip on the top forward portion of the stock. The butt plate is embossed with “BROWNING AUTOMATIC” and “FN”, and is in excellent condition.
The photos are high resolution, so zoom to see details. Contact me for additional photos of any area you would like to see or see better.
The buyer pays $65 for USPS Priority mail and $23.25 for insurance. Virginia buyers must pay 5.3% sales tax.
The fastest way to get this gun is to pay with USPS (U.S. Postal Service) money orders, as they are like cash. I will ship the revolver immediately upon receipt of a USPS money order and an FFL. I will also accept a personal check or other type money, as well as bank checks and cashier's checks, but I will hold the gun until it clears my bank; this includes bank checks and cashier’s checks. I do not accept credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal.
Check or money order must be made out to Jerry Pownall or Barboursville Arms.
Price:
$1,150.00