1948 Browning Auto 5 16ga Questions

[Gigantor]

It's in BEAUTIFUL condition. All matching. Even the screws on the sides of the receiver match. Serial number X22** place it as a 1948. from what I read, that was the year they started engraving "Sweet Sixteen" on the receiver. This model doesn't have it on there. Does anyone know anything about these? And if so... what's the value? I'll post pics if anyone can help me. Thanks.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

They run between about $250-800 depending on the condition and rarity. Some go for more. Fun guns, but ammo is a bit expensive compared to 12 or 20 gauge. Read on line how to use them and change between birdshot and heavier loads.

-Mb

[Huntsprig]

Here is some info.
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=297760



1947 – 1953 “X Prefix Series”
1947: X1001 - X13666
1948: X13667 - X23501
1949: X23502 – X34600
1950: X34601 – X43700
1951: X43701 – X59400
1952: X59401 - X77700
1953: X77701 – X99999

1948
Introduction of the “Sweet Sixteen” in script engraved on the receiver. Prior to 1948 no sweet 16 was factory engraved “Sweet Sixteen.” Glen Jensen, Browning Historian takes the position that the true “Sweet Sixteen” was born when the receiver was engraved “Sweet Sixteen” in 1948. He acknowledges the lightweight A5 16 gauge guns produced between 1937- and 1947 are in fact Sweet Sixteens and identified as such in the factory issued catalogues. If the serial number records archived at Browning indicate the non-engraved guns are a Sweet Sixteen, Glen Jensen will issue a letter on Browning letterhead with an official seal for a fee authenticating the gun as a “Sweet Sixteen.”

I think your gun is a standard 16 Ga.
If the barrel is original, a quick check is to remove the forearm and if the barrel ring has three holes in it, it is a sweet sixteen if not it is a standard weigh.

[NapalmCheese]

Sweet Sixteens of that year had the name engraved on then. The barrel ring had 3 holes in it, the trigger was gold plated and the receiver had a couple of cut outs on the inside near the lifter.

Watch for cracks in the fore end, don't over or under tighten the cap.