FN Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge, 28-Inch, 2 3/4 Inch Chamber, 1947 Belgian, Factory-Engraved, Cutts Adjustable Choke
This 1947 FN-made Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen is a Belgian-produced, factory-engraved 16 gauge with a 2 3/4 inch chamber and a 28-inch SPECIAL STEEL barrel. It retains the Auto-5 long-recoil system with friction-ring tuning and a magazine cut-off, and is fitted with a period Cutts-type adjustable compensator featuring an adjustable choke sleeve and vented brake cap with an integral front bead. Belgian Liège proofs, the 16–70 chamber code, and the Browning Arms Company St. Louis barrel address are present, underscoring its FN Herstal manufacture for Browning’s U.S. import line.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: There is some finish loss and handling wear around markings from prior use. Please refer to the photos for a complete view of surfaces and markings.
What's Included
- FN Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun with installed Cutts-type adjustable compensator (vented brake cap with integral front bead)
Built by FN Herstal for Browning Arms Company, this Sweet Sixteen shows Belgian Liège proofmarks, the FN oval, and the chamber code 16–70, indicating a 2 3/4 inch chamber. The serial prefix X places production circa 1947. The receiver carries factory floral scroll engraving in the Grade I pattern with the BROWNING TRADE MARK legend and a blued finish.
The shotgun features the Auto-5 long-recoil action with friction-ring tuning and a magazine cut-off lever on the left receiver wall. Capacity is listed as 2+1. The 28-inch SPECIAL STEEL barrel is plain with matted flats near the breech and is marked with the Browning Arms Company St. Louis, MO address. The barrel bears the factory '**' Modified choke marking.
A period Cutts-type compensator is installed, providing an adjustable choke system. It includes a vented brake cap and places the single front bead on the compensator body, allowing the shooter to tune constriction as needed while retaining a classic period-correct upgrade.
The walnut furniture includes a pistol-grip stock with cut checkering and a long finger-groove forearm. An FN 'AUTOMATIC' hard buttplate is fitted, and the length of pull measures 14.25 inches. The overall presentation combines factory-engraved metalwork with well-executed period features.
This Sweet Sixteen configuration brings together a 2 3/4 inch chamber, a 28-inch SPECIAL STEEL barrel, and an adjustable Cutts system, offering a versatile and authentic Belgian Auto-5 from the 1940s with hallmark FN and Browning markings.