Browning A5 16 Gauge Shotgun 28" Semi-Auto, Bottomland – 0118255004 For Sale

Why did they quit making 16-gauge shotguns?

The decline in popularity of 16-gauge shotguns can be attributed to several factors:

1. **Market Demand**: Over time, both the 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns became more popular due to their versatility and availability. The 12-gauge is favored for its power and wide range of available ammunition, while the 20-gauge is appreciated for being lighter and easier to handle, making it suitable for younger or smaller-framed shooters.

2. **Ammunition Availability**: As demand for 16-gauge shotguns decreased, so did the production of 16-gauge ammunition. This created a cycle where limited ammunition availability further reduced consumer interest in the gauge.

3. **Versatility**: The 12-gauge can cover a broader range of applications, from bird hunting to big game, and even tactical and defensive purposes. The 20-gauge offers enough power for many hunting situations while being easier to handle. The 16-gauge didn’t offer enough distinct advantages over these options to maintain a broad customer base.

4. **Economics in Manufacturing**: Manufacturers often focus on producing items that sell in higher volumes to maximize efficiency and profit. As consumer preference shifted to other gauges, it became less economically viable for many manufacturers to continue producing 16-gauge shotguns.

While not completely out of production, 16-gauge shotguns have become more of a niche market, with fewer models and less ammunition available compared to other gauges.

Does Browning make a 16-gauge shotgun?

Yes, Browning does make 16-gauge shotguns.

When did Browning stop making the A5 shotgun?

Browning stopped making the original Auto-5 (A5) shotgun in 1998. However, a new version of the A5 was introduced in 2012.

Is 16-gauge shotgun ammo hard to find?

Yes, 16-gauge shotgun ammo can be harder to find compared to more popular gauges like 12-gauge and 20-gauge. While it is still available, it might not be as widely stocked or have as many options in terms of brands and loads at all retailers.

Can you still buy a 16-gauge shotgun?

Yes, you can still buy a 16-gauge shotgun. They are available from various manufacturers and can be found in gun stores, online firearm retailers, and through private sales where permitted by law. The 16-gauge shotgun has experienced a resurgence in popularity among enthusiasts for its balance between the power of a 12-gauge and the lighter weight of a 20-gauge.

Why are 16-gauge shotguns not popular?

The 16-gauge shotgun is not as popular as other gauges, such as the 12-gauge and 20-gauge, for several reasons:

1. **Versatility and Availability:** The 12-gauge shotgun is renowned for its versatility and availability, capable of handling a wide range of shooting activities from hunting various game to home defense and sport shooting. As a result, 12-gauge ammunition and firearm options are more widely available, making it a default choice for many users.

2. **Marketing and Perception:** Over time, manufacturers have invested heavily in promoting the 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns, leading to a perception that they are the standards for most applications. This has resulted in a broader range of products and innovations targeting these gauges.

3. **Ballistic Performance:** While the 16-gauge hits a middle ground between the 12-gauge and 20-gauge, it doesn’t offer significant advantages in terms of recoil, power, or capacity that would compel most shooters to choose it over the more popular alternatives. The 20-gauge is often preferred for its lighter recoil, while the 12-gauge is favored for its power and flexibility.

4. **Economics and Production:** With lower demand for 16-gauge shotguns and ammunition, production runs are smaller, resulting in higher costs and less availability of both firearms and ammunition. This perpetuates the cycle of low popularity.

5. **Historical Shift:** Historically, the 16-gauge saw greater popularity, but as designs and preferences evolved post-World War II, the market shifted more significantly toward the other more commercially successful gauges.

As a result of these factors, the 16-gauge shotgun has become something of a niche option, favored by certain enthusiasts but not widely used among the general shooting public.

What is the history of the Browning A5 16-gauge?

The Browning A5, also known as the Auto-5, is a significant milestone in the history of semi-automatic shotguns. Designed by the renowned firearms designer John Moses Browning, it was the first successful semi-automatic shotgun and was patented in 1900. The Browning A5 went into production in 1902, and its design was notable for its distinctive “humpback” receiver, which became its signature look.

The 16-gauge variant of the Browning A5 is part of this storied history. The 16-gauge was a popular shotgun gauge in the early to mid-20th century, often celebrated for its balance between the power of a 12-gauge and the lighter recoil of a 20-gauge. The A5 in 16-gauge provided a versatile option for hunters and shooters, fitting well with the types of game and shooting situations prevalent during that time.

Production of the Browning A5 spanned many decades, with FN Herstal in Belgium being the primary manufacturer until production was shifted to Japan in 1975 with Miroku. The 16-gauge versions were produced alongside the more common 12-gauge models and were prized for their balance and handling. In 1998, Browning ceased production of the A5 series, but due to its enduring popularity, Browning introduced an updated version of the A5 in 2014, though initially only in 12-gauge. However, the classic 16-gauge models remain cherished pieces among collectors and enthusiasts.

The Browning A5 in 16-gauge epitomizes a bygone era of shotgun production, appreciated for its innovation, reliability, and distinct design, leaving a lasting legacy in the firearms community.

Is the A5 shotgun any good?

The Browning A5 shotgun is generally well-regarded among enthusiasts and hunters. It’s praised for its reliability, durability, and innovative design that includes the unique humpback receiver shape, which allows for quicker sight alignment. The A5 also features a reliable recoil-operated action known for performing well in various conditions. However, as with any firearm, personal preferences regarding feel, weight, balance, and recoil may vary, so it’s recommended to handle or test the shotgun yourself if possible.

What shotgun did Doc Holliday use?

Doc Holliday is often associated with the 10-gauge double-barreled shotgun made by W. W. Greener. This shotgun is famously connected to the events at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, in 1881. However, historical records about the exact type of shotgun he used can vary, and some details might be more legendary than factual.

Do they still manufacture 16-gauge shotguns?

Yes, 16-gauge shotguns are still manufactured. While not as common as 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotguns, several manufacturers continue to produce 16-gauge models due to their balanced power and versatility, appealing to a niche market of hunting and shooting enthusiasts.

Why did they stop making 10 gauge shotguns?

The production and popularity of 10-gauge shotguns have declined primarily due to advancements in 12-gauge shotgun technology. Modern 12-gauge shotguns can achieve similar performance to the 10-gauge with reduced recoil, increased versatility, and wider ammunition availability. Additionally, the demand for lighter and more manageable firearms has made the 12-gauge a more practical and popular choice among hunters and sport shooters. Consequently, manufacturers have focused their efforts on producing 12-gauge shotguns, leading to the decline in 10-gauge shotgun production.

Did they ever make an 18 gauge shotgun?

Yes, 18 gauge shotguns were historically produced, but they were never very common. They have mostly fallen out of use compared to more popular gauges like 12, 16, 20, and .410.

How rare is a 16-gauge shotgun?

A 16-gauge shotgun is somewhat less common than the more popular 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns, but it is not extremely rare. The 16-gauge was more popular in the early to mid-20th century but saw a decline in use as the versatility of 12-gauge shotguns became more widely recognized. In recent years, there has been a modest resurgence in interest among collectors and hunters who appreciate its balance of power and lighter weight compared to the 12-gauge. While it’s not the first choice for most shotgun users, it’s not difficult to find, though often through specialty retailers or as part of smaller production runs by manufacturers.