Browning Belguim Sweet 16 A-5

[levi127]

Anyone know much about these possibly?
Never hunted with one but been reading on them. Didnt know if anyone on here hunted with one and the pros and cons of it. Figured ask first to find out more.

I was offered a trade for one but dont know much about it.
Thanks guys

[jc]

Trade and put it in your gun collection.

[bigsprig]

they are nice guns and well made therefore they are very sought after and nice to have if in good shape. problem with having one for hunting (especially waterfowl) or shooting a lot is getting ammo for it. there are a lot of things to look for with regards to collector value as well. they are common guns and not really extremely expensive because of it. things to look for to get higher value are: older (round knob grip), belgian made (as you stated), no poly choke, has vent rib (especially), condition of bluing and wood, is foreend cracked (very common if shot very much), is it in original box, no restoration or modification, etc. would recommend referencing the serial number with a reputable value guide and add/subtract based on the guns options and condition.

[levi127]

Wow
Great information you gave me on things to look for.
What guide could I use to look at the information on it if you know by chance.

[bigsprig]

the most recent blue book for gun values will generally be quite accurate and should have a good breakdown as far as what to add or subtract for things such as poly choke or vent rib barrel, belgian, etc. as well as break down on % condition and dollar figures for each. they can be just a tad low at times but generally in the ballpark. if nothing else a repuatble local gun dealer should be able to eyeball it and give you a reasonable figure as well.

[teul2]

I grew up shooting a A5 light 12 with out a vent rib and never really liked the vent rib on any A5.
Never saw why the vent rib was more expensive,

[GulfCoast]

By all means, get it! Especially if it is RKLT, and a 28" barrel (are there any 30's for the Sweet like there are for the standard 16 A-5?). The one I grew up shooting was lost in Katrina, and I have not had the heart to replace it yet.

[thomdjohn]

I asked in the classified a while back but I am looking for a barrel for a Std. 16ga. A5. I bent my dad's 30" barrel last squirrel season. The 16ga. A5 is a nice gun to shoot any game with weather it is a light or standard.

[Anatidae]

Not sure when the 16 was discontinued. But I believe A-5's went from Belgium manufacture to Japan in '76. Pre-'76 guns have a 2-digit numerical date (year) code. Post-'76 guns were dated with the new 2-digit alphabetical date code.