I was off to MI last weekend and stopped in one of our favorite smallish gun shops. He had recently taken some guns in from an elderly lady, including a minty 1954 Sweet 16 A-5, 27” or so, Mod choke.

No I didn’t really need it but one has been on my mind a few years, we have two 16 ga pumps we often use. He said $750 out the door I could have it, so I bit.

Just got done with a mostly complete breakdown cleaning, bolt, trigger, and most receiver parts off, stock of course too. I doubt it has been disassembled maybe ever. After a little hiccup with reassemble it’s good as new now, thanks to Utube videos.

Sorry no pictures available, may become one of my new favorite grouse guns.

quote:

No I didn’t really need it

No one "needs" a classic - everyone needs a classic.

These are fantastic shotguns, big fan of the A5.
You did good, enjoy the majesty and brilliance of John Browning!

trigger group reassembly is a giant pita. I almost never break my A5's all the way down.
midwest gun works is a great place for parts and service.

let's see a picture!

Well, maybe I didn’t break it down as much as I implied, just the main components, left the trigger group intact. The ‘2 piece follower’ and the ‘locking block latch’ gave me enough fits, no need to stress further.

I did shoot it a few times, ready to hit the coverts again. Yes, it is an engineering marvel which stood the test of time. This is my 2nd A-5, thinking about selling my 80’s 12ga A-5.

I am another big fan of the A5, I have 3, all 12 gauge, but a 16 would be a nice addition!

The sub guages are where A5's shine brightest, imo. The sweet 16 is the best 16 auto ever made because it was always built on its own frame and maintained great proportions. The light twenties are becoming even more desirable than 16's on the collector market and they are cream puffs to shoot. I happen to be partial to mid 1960's models.

That’s a great find. I love the A5 in 20 and 16 gauge.

A classic A5. Nice find!

Local shop my daughter works at just co signed a lot of belgium a-5's
Off the top of my head.

1 lightweight 12,
1 nib standard 12,
1 20 gauge
1 20 gauge magnum
1 sweet16

It was pretty cool to look through them.

I've never been a frame of the handling on the old humpbacks, but they were really (in my option) the first dependable automatic shotgun on the market. I still have a 12 gauge A5 that my father bought new in the early 60's.

My father in law gave me a Belgium A5 12ga. 1971 manufacture date if I remember right.

I love this post! I'm a A-5 fan as well and have 2 of them. The prize possession of my gun safe is my Dad's 1950's A-5 12g. I carried a lot growing up.

I need to look for a new shotgun to actually hunt with. I get confused on what to get because I really only want to buy one for all purpose. Any suggestions?
Thanks,

quote:

I need to look for a new shotgun to actually hunt with. I get confused on what to get because I really only want to buy one for all purpose. Any suggestions?
Thanks,

One could start by asking what you hunt mostly? Any need for a slug barrel?

For walking and mobility I like lighter & somewhat shorter. The most versatile would be a 12 ga, 3” chamber has been plenty for me. Then we get to your budget. A nice, older pump is the bargain choice.

If you want to spend more, a Benelli M2 is nice.

quote:

Originally posted by Shallowenuf:
I love this post! I'm a A-5 fan as well and have 2 of them. The prize possession of my gun safe is my Dad's 1950's A-5 12g. I carried a lot growing up.

I need to look for a new shotgun to actually hunt with. I get confused on what to get because I really only want to buy one for all purpose. Any suggestions?
Thanks,

If I could only have one shotgun it would be a Benelli Super Black Eagle. I probably wouldn't use the 3 1/2" chamber much, if any, but why not have the option?

Thanks for the replies, my problem (among others) is where I live, Northern AL, the places you can hunt for free are over hunted and somewhat recently moved here and don't have buddies with land. What I want to do is have a shotgun ready so if someone invites me, I can grab it and go. I know guys that duck hunt, turkey, etc. So I need something versitile. I also don't want to spend a ton for something else to sit in my overcrowded safe. $1600 or so for a new A5 seems like a lot. I saw a baretta A3 for around $500. I have berretta pistols but not long guns. Don't think I need slugs, really, I have rifles.

I know I'm being cheap.

Edit - what barrel length for "multi" purpose 26 or 28

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Shallowenuf,