I feel that this forum is a fraternity of dedicated turkey hunters sharing info, both positive and negative to help each other enjoy the sport we all love. I am a huge Browning Fan, I have a good collection of their guns. I want to bring to light the first problem I experienced with my latest Browning shotgun. I purchased the New Browning Sweet 16 in 2015, when it first came out. Initially I bought it for bird hunting, so it sat for a few years. A few years ago, I set it up as a sub-gauge for Turkey. Patterned great, light, seemed to be a great gun. I harvested a few Tom's with it, but noticed that the 2nd shot did not cycle into the chamber. The bolt closed, the shell remained in the magazine. Went to the range ON THE BENCH, it worked perfect. Then, it happened again in the turkey woods. Again, I went to the range on the BENCH, no problem. I called Browning, no help. Warranty ended, they said the shipping and repair was on me. I did some research on line and realized through forums and videos that this is a common problem with this gun. If it's not "buried" in your shoulder, the gun will not cycle due to its recoil operated system. I even went back to my range, sat against a tree mimicking my "turkey hunting scenario", and it didn't cycle. On the bench, with the gun pushed hard against your shoulder, it worked perfectly. It broke my heart, but I replaced it with a SBE 3 20 gauge. I love this gun, and yes, no matter what way you sit or hold the gun, it cycles perfectly. I don't want you all to think I still don't think Browning is a great firearm, because they are. It's just the New Sweet 16 just didn't work for me in the turkey woods. Sorry for the long story, but I felt it important enough to share. Be safe...
I kind of went through the same thing as you did. I bought an A5 but in 12 gauge. Had cycling issues along with the bolt breaking on 2 separate occasions. I lost confidence in the gun so I parted ways with it and now have a Maxus 2. Great gun with zero issues. I'm leaning towards a 20 gauge A5 and am patiently waiting to see what other models they produce for this year's shot show. The more I research and wait, the SBE 3 seems like a great choice. I've shouldered them and they seem to be solid guns. I don't see too much in the way of complaints on line when doing my research. I'm a Browning guy to the core with several of their rifles. Sometimes it's hard to step away from a brand that seems to have been solid through the years but I feel it is what it is.
Thats a bummer to hear. The A5 is on my list of guns I want. I wonder if theres an after market fix. The issue only occurs when it is soft shouldered? Perhaps a lighter recoil spring might fix it?
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Quote from: Will on December 29, 2025, 06:25:47 PMI kind of went through the same thing as you did. I bought an A5 but in 12 gauge. Had cycling issues along with the bolt breaking on 2 separate occasions. I lost confidence in the gun so I parted ways with it and now have a Maxus 2. Great gun with zero issues. I'm leaning towards a 20 gauge A5 and am patiently waiting to see what other models they produce for this year's shot show. The more I research and wait, the SBE 3 seems like a great choice. I've shouldered them and they seem to be solid guns. I don't see too much in the way of complaints on line when doing my research. I'm a Browning guy to the core with several of their rifles. Sometimes it's hard to step away from a brand that seems to have been solid through the years but I feel it is what it is.
Will, your dead on here. I love Brownings, but this particular A-5 Sweet 16 has this very common issue. I've never had a cycling issue with my Benelli's, as long as you make sure the bolt is totally closed, they cycle flawlessly. The SBE 20 is very well made, slim 20 gauge frame. Definitely worth a look, good luck in whatever choice you make.
Quote from: BullTom on December 29, 2025, 06:26:30 PMThats a bummer to hear. The A5 is on my list of guns I want. I wonder if theres an after market fix. The issue only occurs when it is soft shouldered? Perhaps a lighter recoil spring might fix it?
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These guns all cost us a pretty penny. We have enough things that can "go wrong" in the turkey woods. Shotgun operation should not be something we have to worry about. We all want to eliminate the potential issues if we can. Be safe, good luck in your search....
Surprised Browning customer service for their warranty wasn't better. I have an SX3 that I now use for everything and it has seen way too much mud, sand and water but still continues to cycle everything.
Guess it's good I went with a Tikka vice another X-Bolt for the last purchase if there's less than satisfactory support.
Quote from: squidd on December 29, 2025, 06:36:34 PMSurprised Browning customer service for their warranty wasn't better. I have an SX3 that I now use for everything and it has seen way too much mud, sand and water but still continues to cycle everything.
Guess it's good I went with a Tikka vice another X-Bolt for the last purchase if there's less than satisfactory support.
The Sweet 16 had a 5 year warranty. I don't think it needed repair, I just think that turkey hunters sitting against a tree with the gun on the knee do not give the gun the required pressure to recoil the next shell up from the magazine. If you google the review You-tube videos you can see when the gun is fired over head or from the hip, it does not cycle. Just the way it's manufactured I'm assuming.