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.
Well, looks like a range day for my new Browning Silver is in order. I love new excuses to go to the range. But this sounds like a real issue. I bet there is no paragraph in the owners manual on this. Too bad that it has to go like this, " Too Bad Sir, your warranty is up". That is crap service. I am a fan of Browning firearms as well, but their customer service has declined sharply. SMH :OGturkeyhead: :OGturkeyhead: Z
Quote from: zelmo1 on December 30, 2025, 05:28:34 AMWell, looks like a range day for my new Browning Silver is in order. I love new excuses to go to the range. But this sounds like a real issue. I bet there is no paragraph in the owners manual on this. Too bad that it has to go like this, " Too Bad Sir, your warranty is up". That is crap service. I am a fan of Browning firearms as well, but their customer service has declined sharply. SMH :OGturkeyhead: :OGturkeyhead: Z
Morning Z. I think it may be just the new Sweet 16 that has the problem. It is built on the A5 platform, but it may eject differently in the other A5 gauges. I even went so far trying heavy turkey loads, and light field loads. When I sit against a tree in the turkey situation, it doesn't always eject. In the moment of truth. I don't want to have to remember to push it into my shoulder. Watch the you tube video that reviews the Sweet 16 from a popular guy "Target Focus Life". He goes over the gun in detail and clearly shows the cycling flaw. WI hen I talked to the Browning Customer Service Gunsmith, I told him I have several Browning firearms, but he said sorry, you have to ship it and pay for any repairs. I told him that if this is all he can do, I will trade the gun in for a SBE 3 20 gauge. He said "Oh well, do what you have to do". No problem, I gave them their shot, no pun intended. Be safe, hope your rehab is coming along buddy.
Here is the review video. Worth watching, this guy is good.
(https://i.ibb.co/rGxT3rjb/1-B3-BA544-A9-B1-4818-BB28-DD23-B9-BAEE78.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XZ7NDRQy)
I had a vintage O/U that needed new firing pins and some refurbishing. I couldn't find anyone who could fix this gun because of obsolete parts. I was traveling in Iowa and saw Brownell's. So I asked them and they told me they send all their custom work to Ahlman's in Mn. So I called them and a short conversation with their gunsmith convinced me they could fix my gun. I shipped it to them and they called with an estimate and recommendations. They machined the parts themselves. I got my gun back in around 8 weeks and it was like new. I wonder if you called them if they could offer a fix. I believe they do Browning's warranty work too. https://www.ahlmans.com/index.html
Quote from: eggshell on December 30, 2025, 07:02:15 AMI had a vintage O/U that needed new firing pins and some refurbishing. I couldn't find anyone who could fix this gun because of obsolete parts. I was traveling in Iowa and saw Brownell's. So I asked them and they told me they send all their custom work to Ahlman's in Mn. So I called them and a short conversation with their gunsmith convinced me they could fix my gun. I shipped it to them and they called with an estimate and recommendations. They machined the parts themselves. I got my gun back in around 8 weeks and it was like new. I wonder if you called them if they could offer a fix. I believe they do Browning's warranty work too. https://www.ahlmans.com/index.html
Great info my friend, but I decided to replace it with a SBE 20 gauge. I have had zero issues with Benelli semi's. They cycle no matter what. So far, the 20 is gonna see a lot of field time this season. Looking at the reviews of the new Sweet 16, and comments on the shotgun forums, this cycling issue is common with most of these guns. It's a shame, they are a great company, but I moved on to a more reliable firearm.
Customer Service is one of the fatalities of the almighty dollar ruling the world. Quality is another and they go hand in hand. Selma Gun Works in Alabama is a good source for obsolete parts for all manufacturers. Z
Hey Tom good luck with the new SBE. How are you going to set it up? Spring will be here soon enough!
Quote from: lunghit on December 30, 2025, 01:12:19 PMHey Tom good luck with the new SBE. How are you going to set it up? Spring will be here soon enough!
I put my Aimpoint Micro S rib mount Red dot on it with an Indian Creek .570 choke. Shoots Long beard 6's and Federal 9's real nice. Carlsons Choke also a fine shooting tube. The gun is fantastic. Can't wait to tote it this spring. Be safe buddy
As I was reading this, I remembered the old days of duck hunting with my browning A5. I remember having to adjust the rings around the spring when I went from light load to heavy load shells. Does anyone else remember having to change them or am I just old and forgetful. It sounds, however, like this ejection problems is with both light and heavy loads. I am also certain that Browning would have pointed this out. I am a Browning fan and hate to hear about your troubles.
Another sub-gauge to look at is the Beretta 20 ga Ultima Turkey. I have never had a problem out of that gun regardless of what I shoot. Comes with rail for easy red dot installation.
Good luck with the 16.
Tom I hate that you had this problem with your sweet 16,but I'm with you,I don't have time for these guessing games with a gun...
You did the right thing by getting rid of it ...
I have a couple of old A5 one 20 ga. and one 12 ga. 20 was for everything and the 12 was mostly for ducks etc. back in the good old days... even did some crow hunting with the old 12 ga.
ANY inertia gun will require a firm shoulder mount.
The SBE 3 outclasses the A5 by a wide margin in my experience.
Good choice.
I am happy to see this discussion. I have a browning gold hunter classic that is 25-30 years old and has been a steady workhorse. I have been contemplating a new gun to replace it and would have went right to a browning. Now if I decide to get another I will pass on the brownings.
Yeah, that new kinematic drive vs the older A5's ---- I would just buy on older A5, but you have already moved on, so.... I'm not much of an inertia person, but I do like killing a turkey every year with my dad's A5 - just for memories.
Thanks for all the great info. I do believe this is isolated to the new Sweet 16, the other A5's are legendary and are among the best shotguns in history. I wanted to get this info to this great forum just in case someone was interested in one of these guns. The video I posted, sorry it's not a link and is sideways is the best review showing this issue. Good luck to all this spring, thanks again!
I have a similar deal with my Affinity 3 20ga Elite. I bought it to shoot doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, etc. It won't consistently cycle a "standard" 1210fps 7/8 oz bird load. Called Franchi. Tech indicated that I wasn't using a "hot" enough trap load. I advised that the manual called for a 7/8oz 1200fps load as a minimum. I like the gun enough that I have just started shooting 1300fps 7/8oz loads, but Win AA are more $ than the regular stuff. Hoping that it loosens up but we are on year 2 and there's nothing more frustrating than your $1000 shotgun not functioning in an infested dove field. It will probably be the last inertia gun that I will own.
Quote from: Tom007 on December 30, 2025, 06:13:46 PMQuote from: lunghit on December 30, 2025, 01:12:19 PMHey Tom good luck with the new SBE. How are you going to set it up? Spring will be here soon enough!
I put my Aimpoint Micro S rib mount Red dot on it with an Indian Creek .570 choke. Shoots Long beard 6's and Federal 9's real nice. Carlsons Choke also a fine shooting tube. The gun is fantastic. Can't wait to tote it this spring. Be safe buddy
Sounds like a great set up, best of luck with it. Aimpoint is top of the line, I still have one that is 10 + years old.
Quote from: lunghit on December 31, 2025, 03:27:09 PMQuote from: Tom007 on December 30, 2025, 06:13:46 PMQuote from: lunghit on December 30, 2025, 01:12:19 PMHey Tom good luck with the new SBE. How are you going to set it up? Spring will be here soon enough!
I put my Aimpoint Micro S rib mount Red dot on it with an Indian Creek .570 choke. Shoots Long beard 6's and Federal 9's real nice. Carlsons Choke also a fine shooting tube. The gun is fantastic. Can't wait to tote it this spring. Be safe buddy
Sounds like a great set up, best of luck with it. Aimpoint is top of the line, I still have one that is 10 + years old.
Thanks, and best of luck to you too!