I bought one two years ago. I didn’t like the pistol grip, and had it modified. They make a version that has a stock/pistol grip that’s like my modified one. If I were buying today, I’d get that gun. I think it’s call lightning. It’s a very light shotgun, I like that. Mine has a 26” barrel. It’s been 100% reliable with medium and heavy loads. I had some lighter Fiocchi loads that it did not cycle reliably. It a very good upland gun. I like the gun a lot and glad I own one.
I’d have one if the 1) trigger-pull would be lighter by the reviews I’ve read. 2) They made it with a reversible safety for lefty’s like Benelli and Rem did, and 3) if they made it with a 24” barrel. With the already long receiver, the 28” barrel looks (way) too long to my eyes. Oh, and I agree with the pistol grip I’ve seen on some being too closed for my tastes.
I bought one and love it for upland except for the stock. I sent it off and had it converted to an English stock. I saw in some forums that the forearm was cracking on several. I kept watch on mine and sure enough it cracked this past January. I contacted Browning and sent it in for repairs. Warranty did not cover it because of so called handling marks. If you buy one, just be aware that the Browning warranty of 5 years or 100,000 shots is only as good as the gunsmith at Browning that works on it. My gun probably has less than 75 rounds through it and the metal looks like it came in box. While there are probably some very light handling marks, the gun is used only as an upland gun and put inside a case after every hunt while in the field. The gun has never been abused but is carried in briars and thickets while hunting. BTW, the stock was also cracked according to Browning. So yeah, I'm a little disappointed by the warranty coverage on a gun that has probably been hunted with 25 times in the last 5 years and only had around 75 rounds through it.
Olghoat, I’m guessing they considered taking off the pistol grip and making a straight grip, a little more than a scratch. Now you have me worried. I mine modified, but just opened up the grip a bit and rounded the knob some. Mine has about 200 rounds through it, and I really like it.
Have had one for years now, No reliability issues, no cracked stock issues. I like the pistol grip and the 28" barrel. My primary hunting shotgun because of its light weight.
Keep the forearm screw cap tight and it shouldn’t crack. Have it loose and it is just a matter of time. In addition when replacing the forearm make sure it is mated correctly to the receiver.
Cracked forearms are most often related to these two issues.
I’ve found that this firearm has had a dramatic improvement on my success in the field and at the range. With 1oz loads I rarely miss skeet, trap, or birds. Can’t say why but this gun fits and points about as good as any I’ve used. I just wish it would handle less than ounce rounds.
I have one I picked up brand new in box for $1000.00. DU model. I prefer the looks of the blued receiver, however found this one at a pawn shop marked down from $1500.00.Some lady won it at a DU banquet and pawned it off. Very happy with mine, I shoot factory loads and reload steel for it @1500 FPS.
Forget the past the past is gone forever, right now is where it's happening.
Well my LGS has a new Sweet 16, at only $1,900. Hard pass on that. The trigger was so so.
Bass Pro has them for $1,630. I DROS’d a 26” with nice wood on it. I’ll pick it up next month. Bass Pro doesn’t let you try the triggers, so I’ll see how the trigger is on mine in May.
I have one and have not had one complaint. Shoots alot smoother than my 10 Belgiums , but I love them all. New one is great for shooting sporting clays!
Update, Browning still has my gun since February of '22. They sent it back in May with a new stock that included a deep gouge in the stock. Sorry, but I'm not paying for a new stock that arrives looking worse than the one that was originally sent to Browning. Hopefully, have it back before November.
I recently acquired one of the new Sweet Sixteens with 28” barrel. Haven’t had the opportunity to put it through it’s paces yet. In fact haven’t even assembled it. I traded into it at my LGS before I moved out of Alaska. I liked the lightweight lively feel of this shotgun, so I got it. Plan on using it this fall in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for ruffed grouse and woodcock. Figure this Browning will work fine for Upland hunting.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I. Send me!
Hey Guys- I just brought in two of the NEW Sweet Sixteen Lightnings (Prince of Wales Grip) , 28" barrel. Very hard to get these. Your choice at $ $1600 shipped to your FFL holder from me, an FFL. Please send me you email for photos as I am having an issue loading them here. Thank you. Darrel Wick 218-391-8518
Go old school and get the real thing. This was born in '57 and has never had a dimes's worth of repair.
Gotta love that pic, I have a 59 vr mod choke that is hell on wheels here in SD. Also have the jap A-5 26" vr with invectors. Don't know why I would ever buy the new one. Love 16's the last one I bought was that Shot show Classic White Lightning Citori with the deep engraving. I duly note those quail fell from 1 1/8 oz Express loads? That fruit jar don't have water in it either?..mb
" Cheapest velocity in the world comes from a long barrel and I sure do like them. MB "
After drooling over the BSS the last 3 years I finally pulled the trigger on one from bpro. My ‘57 Auto 5 20 has been my bird slayer for several years. With the mandate of steel shot on the dove fields I hunt, I needed something more modern that could replace my vintage 20. I semi retired it in favor of my new sweet. I love the lighter weight and mild recoil on game loads. This is one sweet gun, pun intended! Now if I can only find some decent steel shot recipes.
Good morning - I have these two fresh from Browning....A5 SWEET SIXTEEN LIGHTNING, 28". Your choice for $1600 shipped FFL/FFL CONUS. I am a small Home Based Dealer in Northern Minnesota. Thank you for looking. Darrel Wick 218-391-8518