New Browning Sweet 16

[NapalmCheese]

I just noticed that Browning re-released their Sweet Sixteen shotgun, on an honest to goodness 16 gauge frame, it weighs in at 5 lbs and 13 ozs and uses the invector choke system.

I want one.

http://www.browning.com/products/firearms/shotguns/a5/a5-sweet-sixteen.html

[Thefeeder]

><

Its a redesigned sweet sixteen...I would not call it a re-release except for the name

[NapalmCheese]

Its a redesigned sweet sixteen...I would not call it a re-release except for the name

Fair enough, redesigned, that's fine.

I'm still excited.

1) I hope people like it and the 16 gains in popularity so that hopefully manufacturers will get on board and produce better quality hulls and more and varied wads.
2) Every shotgun I've ever handled where I've had the chance to handle a 20, 16, and 12 gauge, the 16 has always felt the best.
3) It's yet another 16 gauge to add to the collection

[bigbearbear]

Interesting, it would seems smaller gauges are in vouge this year. Benelli also released their 28 gauge Ethos, model number 10480.

[Bull Elk]

I see this as similar to what S&W did a few years back when they "re-released" a new line of handguns under the old model numbers and called it their "classic" series. The new revolvers shared the same model number with the added classic title, but definitely not the same revolver. Browning can call the new Sweet 16 anything they want, but it's just a reuse of an old name for a new shotgun. It's not the same shotgun by any stretch of the imagination. However, being that it has the Sweet 16 name, it might be worth the investment to buy one and hang on to it. It could end up being a short release if it doesn't sell, thus becoming somewhat valuable to collectors. Then again, I'm speculating about something that hasn't happened and may not.

[NapalmCheese]

As pointed out, it's not the same as the original A5, but none of the new A5s are. What they did seem to get right is the size and weight. Supposedly it's on it's own frame size, and at 5 lbs 13 oz it's lighter than the original sweet (or non-sweet) 16 gauge, has removable chokes, can use steel shot, and looks okay. I'd have preferred real engraving, a less gaudy A5 signifier, and a prince of wales grip.

I'm happy that they didn't fall into the same trap Remington did when Remington decided to make a 16 gauge Wingmaster. They took a 12 gauge Wingmaster and bored a 16 gauge hole for the barrel. This resulted in a 16 gauge shotgun that was the same size as a 12 gauge shotgun, weighed more than a 12 gauge shotgun, and handled worse with a smaller payload. Thankfully this hasn't happened here.

The rumor mill is also running with the idea that browning will be releasing it's 'own' ammo.

So no, it's not a real A5 and it's not a real sweet 16, but it is a modern interpretation given their current lineup.

As far as it being collectable, it might be. Though as an investment I imagine you'd be able to do better with other items/markets. This sweet 16 will always be the second cousin of the original. Sort of like the Ithaca 87 vs. the Ithaca 37. I suppose it could be worth buying two and leaving one in the box if you had the disposable income.

[JagerDog]

Should be a nice pheasant killer. I don't own any 16's simply due to the "rare/pricey" ammo. I reload 12 and 20, but the 16 has few component choices.

[pennstater]

"Cheese, I'm with ya. If you like/want it, then by all means get that baby! If you do, please give us a report. It looks good.

[NapalmCheese]

Should be a nice pheasant killer. I don't own any 16's simply due to the "rare/pricey" ammo. I reload 12 and 20, but the 16 has few component choices.

That's part of the reason I'm excited to see Browning do this. Maybe, just maybe the 16 will gain a little more steam and we might see some quality hulls being produced.

[FIREBALL_BRIAN]

love the A5 and the 16. just hard to justify over the cost vs 12 cost

[JagerDog]

That's part of the reason I'm excited to see Browning do this. Maybe, just maybe the 16 will gain a little more steam and we might see some quality hulls being produced.

Well I'm not gonna hold my breath, but.....

Somehow I don't think 16g marketshare is going to change by leaps and bounds. Without marketshare, the impetus for developing components is ulikely. I'd be happy to be wrong.

[Horrendo Revolver]

The new A5 has noticeably harsher recoil than the Benelli inertia shotguns I've shot and are much harsher than the original long-recoil A5(caveat that the friction rings are set up right). They also have triggers heavier than the weight of the shotgun as a rule. Not my cup of tea.

[bjl333]

Browning had always release limited editions in 16 ga. The lady time they did it was like 8 years ago with the Citori. I really doubt they will keep the 16 catalogue for more then 1 year ...