Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen 16 Gauge, Belgian FN, 28 in Vent Rib, Modified Choke, 1957–1958
This Belgian-made Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen stands out as a late-1950s example with factory scroll engraving and the classic Sweet Sixteen roll-mark on the receiver. It features a 28 in Special Steel barrel with a ventilated rib and FN two-star Modified choke, a gold-colored trigger, and a magazine cut-off lever. Belgian proof marks and the Browning Arms Company St. Louis Mo. barrel address are present, aligning with the A-prefix Sweet Sixteen series from 1957–1958.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: The firearm is in solid shape. Scratches and handling blemishes are present. Small, infrequent deposits of pitting are visible on the finish.
What’s Included
- Shotgun magazine capacity plug
Built by FN in Belgium for Browning Arms Co., this Sweet Sixteen aligns with the A-prefix series associated with 1957–1958 production. The receiver is factory-engraved with Browning scrollwork and roll-marked "Sweet Sixteen." The receiver finish now presents largely in-the-white/silver with only traces of original blue remaining, indicating it has been de-blued/stripped or otherwise refinished. Belgian proof marks (including PV and star-over inspector marks) and the St. Louis barrel address are present.
The long-recoil, semi-automatic action is configured for 16 Gauge with a 2 3/4 in chamber and a 4+1 capacity. A gold-colored trigger and a magazine cut-off lever are included, consistent with period Auto-5 features. The barrel retains its blued finish, while the receiver shows the de-blued/stripped silver appearance noted above, complementing the walnut furniture.
The 28 in Special Steel barrel is topped by a ventilated rib with a matted rib top and a single brass front bead. The muzzle is marked with FN two-star, denoting a Modified choke. This setup delivers a traditional sighting plane and a versatile field choke configuration.
The walnut stock features a round-knob pistol grip with checkering, paired to a slim, checkered finger-groove fore-end. Length of pull measures 14.5 in to an FN-monogram steel buttplate, completing a classic Sweet Sixteen profile and balance.