Description
The A5 ULTIMATE SWEET SIXTEEN Shotgun Semi Auto brings a classic name back into the hands of American shooters, combining the timeless appeal of the 16-gauge with the reliable, recoil-reducing action of a Browning-style long-recoil system. For hunters chasing upland birds in the thickets of Pennsylvania or working a dove field in Georgia, this shotgun offers a light, fast-handling platform that reduces fatigue over a long day. Its 5.9-pound weight and 16-gauge chambering make it a practical choice for shooters who want less recoil than a 12-gauge without giving up the reach needed for clean shots on game.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The A5 ULTIMATE SWEET SIXTEEN is a semi-automatic shotgun built on the proven long-recoil operating system, a design that has been trusted for decades in the field. This specific model is chambered in 16-gauge, a caliber that offers a middle ground between the light 20-gauge and the heavier 12-gauge, making it ideal for hunters who prioritize carry comfort and reduced felt recoil. It is not a tactical or home-defense shotgun; rather, it is purpose-built for the sportsman who spends long hours walking fields, forests, and marshes. This shotgun suits target shooters who enjoy clays on a quiet range, collectors who appreciate the return of a historic nameplate, and hunters who need a reliable semi-auto for upland birds, waterfowl, and small game. The Turkish walnut stock and forend add a level of craftsmanship that appeals to those who value aesthetics alongside function.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 16 Gauge
- Capacity: 3 rounds (2+1, plug included for migratory bird compliance)
- Weight: 5.9 pounds
- Barrel Length: 28 inches (inferred from standard Sweet Sixteen configuration)
- Finish: Turkish Walnut stock and forend with blued metal receiver
- Sights: Brass bead front sight
- Choke System: Interchangeable choke tubes (typically includes Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder)
- Action: Semi-automatic, long-recoil operated
- Overall Length: Approximately 48 inches
- Length of Pull: 14.25 inches
- Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches
- Drop at Heel: 2.5 inches
Feature Deep-Dive
The A5 ULTIMATE SWEET SIXTEEN uses a long-recoil operating system that cycles the barrel and bolt together for a short distance before unlocking, which significantly reduces the felt recoil compared to fixed-breech designs. This system is particularly well-suited to the 16-gauge, as it allows the shooter to stay on target for follow-up shots without the sharp jolt common in lighter gas-operated guns. The barrel is made from chrome-moly steel, providing strength and corrosion resistance, and it is paired with a deep-polished blue finish that resists wear from holster carry and field use. The receiver is machined from a solid billet of steel, giving the shotgun a solid feel and long-term durability that supports thousands of rounds.
The Turkish walnut stock is graded for straight grain and oil-finished to bring out the natural figure of the wood, which improves grip in wet conditions compared to gloss varnishes. The stock features a full pistol grip with a slightly flared comb, which helps align the shooter’s eye with the rib for consistent cheek weld. The forend is slim and checkered at 20 lines per inch, providing a secure hold without being abrasive on bare hands. The recoil pad is a ventilated rubber design that further absorbs shock, making the Sweet Sixteen comfortable for a full day of shooting clays or multiple hunting trips.
The barrel is equipped with a ventilated rib that runs the full length, which dissipates heat and reduces mirage during rapid strings of fire. The brass bead front sight is simple and effective, offering a clear sight picture without the complexity of fiber optics or adjustable sights. The A5 ULTIMATE SWEET SIXTEEN comes with a set of three interchangeable choke tubes (Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder), allowing the shooter to tailor the pattern to the specific game and distance. The choke tubes are steel-shot rated, making this shotgun suitable for waterfowl hunting when used with appropriate loads.
The magazine tube holds two rounds in the tube plus one in the chamber, with a factory-installed wooden plug that reduces capacity to two for migratory bird regulations. The plug is easily removable for non-migratory hunting or target shooting, restoring the full three-round capacity. The bolt is chrome-plated for smooth cycling and easy cleaning, and the extractor is a claw-type design that reliably pulls spent shells from the chamber. The trigger is a single-stage design with a crisp break at approximately 4.5 pounds, which aids in precise shot placement without being too light for field use.
This model includes a manual cross-bolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard, which is intuitive to engage or disengage with the trigger finger. The bolt release button is positioned on the left side of the receiver, allowing quick loading without fumbling. The A5 ULTIMATE SWEET SIXTEEN is also equipped with a magazine cut-off feature, enabling the shooter to unload the chamber without cycling rounds from the magazine, which is useful when crossing fences or entering a vehicle. These thoughtful details reflect the design heritage of the A5 line while incorporating modern manufacturing tolerances for reliable function.
Ideal Use Cases
This shotgun is primarily designed for hunting applications, particularly upland birds such as pheasant, quail, grouse, and woodcock, where its light weight and quick handling are assets. The 16-gauge chambering is also effective for waterfowl hunting over decoys or in pass shooting, especially with steel shot loads in the Modified or Full choke tubes. Target shooters will find the Sweet Sixteen suitable for sporting clays and skeet on the 16-gauge course, though it is not optimized for high-volume competition due to its three-round capacity. For small game like rabbit and squirrel, the 16-gauge with Improved Cylinder choke provides a balanced pattern at typical woods ranges. This shotgun is not recommended for home defense or concealed carry due to its size, weight, and limited capacity.
Compatibility Notes
The A5 ULTIMATE SWEET SIXTEEN is chambered for 2.75-inch 16-gauge shells only. It will not safely chamber 2.5-inch or 3-inch shells, and using incorrect ammunition can cause damage or injury. For optimal cycling, use standard velocity field loads (2.75-inch, 1 ounce to 1.125 ounce) with a minimum velocity of 1200 fps. Light target loads below 1150 fps may cause short-stroking. The shotgun accepts standard 16-gauge choke tubes with a standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern (B-Fast, Invictus, or similar 12-gauge pattern does not fit). Aftermarket choke tubes from Briley, Carlson’s, or Trulock are compatible. The factory stock has a standard 7/8-inch recoil pad thickness, and replacement pads from Pachmayr or Kick-Eez can be fitted. No aftermarket holster is required; this is a field shotgun, not a sidearm. The three-round magazine tube does not accept extended magazines, so capacity is fixed. The shotgun is compatible with most 16-gauge shotshells from major manufacturers such as Winchester, Remington, Federal, and Fiocchi, provided they are 2.75-inch in length.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this shotgun be shipped to my address in the United States?
Yes, we ship to all U.S. states where 16-gauge shotguns are legal. We only ship to the address on file with your FFL dealer. We do not ship to P.O. boxes or APO/FPO addresses. Standard shipping is via UPS or FedEx ground with adult signature required. Expect delivery within 5-10 business days after the FFL transfer is completed.
2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After you place your order, we will contact you for the name and address of your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. Your FFL dealer must email or fax us a copy of their license. Once we verify the license, we ship the shotgun to them. You then complete a background check (Form 4473) at the dealer and take possession. We do not charge a transfer fee, but your local dealer may charge their own fee (typically $20-50).
3. What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
This shotgun is designed for 2.75-inch 16-gauge shells. Use loads between 1 ounce and 1.125 ounce with a velocity of 1200 fps or higher for reliable cycling. Steel shot is safe with the included choke tubes. Do not use 3-inch magnum shells, 2.5-inch shells, or any load that exceeds SAAMI pressure specifications for the 16-gauge. We recommend Winchester Super-X, Remington Game Loads, or Federal Premium for field use.
4. What warranty is provided with this shotgun?
The A5 ULTIMATE SWEET SIXTEEN is covered by a one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the receiver, barrel, bolt, and stock. Normal wear, cosmetic damage, or issues caused by improper ammunition or disassembly are not covered. We offer a 30-day return window for defects, after which you should contact the manufacturer directly for warranty service. We do not offer extended warranties.
5. What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery only if the shotgun is in new, unfired condition with all original packaging and components. Returns must be authorized by our customer service team. We do not accept returns on used or fired shotguns. If the shotgun is defective, we will replace it or issue a full refund after inspection. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the defect is confirmed. Refunds are processed within 5 business days of receiving the returned item.
Closing Call to Action
This A5 ULTIMATE SWEET SIXTEEN is available now for shipment to your licensed FFL dealer anywhere in the United States. We offer flat-rate shipping on all shotgun orders, and our team can assist with the FFL transfer process to ensure a smooth transaction. If you have questions about stock availability, choke tube selection, or ammunition recommendations, contact our customer service team during business hours. Place your order today to add this reliable field shotgun to your collection.
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