Sidearms & Scatterguns Pricing a Browning Sweet 16....

[pmclaine]

Not a big shotgun fan...

Looking to make some room in my safe.

I will admit that this shotgun I have in mind surprised me with its tame nature as I had never shot a 16 gauge before.

Anyway, looked on Gunbroker and the prices I saw seem high.

Mine is older, probaby late 40s early 50s, Belgian made. It has seen some use. Id say 75% condition. As was the custom in the day it has a big ass Cutts style vari choke and the previous owner customized it by inletting a button compass into the comb of the stock.

Any shotgun fans have a ball park market price for such a beast?

 

[Pre-64]

Unfortunately with the cutts and compass added it kills the collector value, and as good as the 16 gauge is it's never had much of a following in the US, I would say if you can get $400 out of it you're doing good. Without the modification it was probably in the 550-600 range in 75 % condition.

 

[FishDr]

I had one like you describe without the cutt’s and the special compass. It was in prob 80-85% condition. Sold it in a package deal two years ago and I estimated it’s value at 500. It was a sweet shooter !

 

[pmclaine]

Just emptied the safe to get in the back and get some pictures.

It's a poly choke but same deal.

Surprised me again how light and handy it is........makes me want to go shoot a pheasant or something.

Would be a sweet junior slug gun.

Putting shit back in I opened up one spot in the safe.

If I sell something else I'm leaning to keep it.

I'll post some picks in a bit for the helpfulness.

 

[pmclaine]

You guys are much more in line with the pricing I figured for this thing.

When I went to Gunbroker I was surprised by the average being around $1K

 

[Pre-64]

Looks like someone added a bit of finish to the stock and forearm, pretty common. Doesn't really detract from the value anymore since it's a shooter grade. I always liked the looks of the A5 but never could shoot them well.

 

[pmclaine]

Looks like someone added a bit of finish to the stock and forearm, pretty common. Doesn't really detract from the value anymore since it's a shooter grade. I always liked the looks of the A5 but never could shoot them well.

My preference would be to remove that wood, soak it in Citri Strip and hit it with linseed.

I had an A5 in high school, jap made, it was nib heavily shelacced. Could barely hold the thing with wool gloves on it was so slippery.

 

[FishDr]

That would be a shooter. My 16 was a modified and great at skeet. The only poly choke I ever shot was a 20 gauge - it did NOT like slugs at all.

 

[pmclaine]

That would be a shooter. My 16 was a modified and great at skeet. The only poly choke I ever shot was a 20 gauge - it did NOT like slugs at all.

Weird thing is the bulk of the ammo that came with the gun was slugs.

 

[FishDr]

Weird thing is the bulk of the ammo that came with the gun was slugs.

He shot all the good stuff and sold it with the stuff that wouldn’t shoot ??? Just kidding ;-/

 

[pmclaine]

This was a "My uncles dead, do you want these guns?" deal.........

 

[BytorJr]

If you can find a Belgian Sweet with ventilated rib in great condition you will easily be looming at 1k.

I’m pissed I didn’t jump on a DUnmodel at Scheels back in 2010 for 1600. Pure collectible. Though I’d be happy with a Japanese 16 with invector. Saw one of those NIB for about 1500 recently.

I’d love one but 16 has been an oddball in the US since the advent of the 3” 20ga if not sooner.

If you want an Auto-5 get a 20. Great field fun as they are light. The 3” magnum 20 would also be great. One of the most reliable shotguns and they should NOT kick hard of rings set properly.

 

[strikeeagle1]

The original Browning 16's were built on 12 ga. receivers; in 1937 the Sweet 16's had their own receiver which was 10 oz. lighter.
I have these two mint Sweet 16's, both with 26" vent rib barrels.
The blonde wood is a 1959 Belgian, modified choke. The darker wood a 1987 Miroku with Invector choke system.


I

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[BytorJr]

Beautiful Brownings Sir!!! How do you feel the Japanese quality is?