Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge, 28" Vent-Rib Special Steel Barrel, Belgian FN 1955, Factory Scroll Engraved
This 1955 Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen is a Belgian-made FN lightweight 16-gauge variant with factory light scroll engraving. It features a 28" Special Steel barrel with a ventilated rib, a 2 3/4" chamber, and the Sweet Sixteen S-prefix serial designation. Classic Browning details include a blued steel receiver, walnut round-knob stock with checkering, and the left-side magazine cut-off, complemented by an installed Pachmayr White Line recoil pad.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minor, superficial scratches and blemishes. Finish wear is present on the trigger shoe. The ventilated rib shows some scuff marks.
What's Included
- Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
- Pachmayr White Line recoil pad (installed)
Belgian FN manufacture and the S-prefix serial confirm this as the Sweet Sixteen lightweight variant of the Auto-5. Factory light scroll engraving on the blued steel receiver, Belgian proof marks, the "BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS, Mo." barrel address, and "MADE IN BELGIUM" markings provide clear period-correct details for 1950s production.
The 28" Special Steel barrel is chambered for 2 3/4" 16-gauge shells and wears a ventilated rib with a front bead sight. This combination offers a traditional sighting plane with the durability associated with Browning's Special Steel barrels of the era.
Operation is the long-recoil semi-automatic system associated with the Auto-5, with a 4+1 capacity. Controls include the left-side magazine cut-off lever for quick load management and a rounded, knurled charging handle for positive manipulation.
The walnut stock features a round-knob pistol grip and crisp checkering. An aftermarket Pachmayr White Line recoil pad is installed. The overall presentation is classic mid-century Browning with functional upgrades suited to regular field or range use.