A5 early 16 ga barrel

[kennedy759]

this barrel is on my Browning A5 16 ga made in 1929. This barrel is 24 in lg, cylinder bore(says it on side of barrel) only ser no looking number is 909, the 909 is also on the barrel shank. No ser no on barrel band. If 909 is the ser no then this barrel was made first year 1909, first year ser no went from 1 to 3200. any thoughts?

 

[Mongo59]

No thoughts except have you checked the chamber length? 2.75 wasn't standard until 1927 if I remember correctly so if the barrel predates the receiver this could be a problem.

I haven't had any of my A5's apart in a while, I will look and see if the numbers match up to the serial number in any way and get back to you.

 

[kennedy759]

I have contacted browning and some A5 collectors on the shot gun forum and found out it has a Belgium date code of 1930, browning says the 909 may be the last number of a ser no or production numbers

 

[Titanium_Frost]

I've got a real old one like 1916 and all the numbers match. Even the screws in the receiver are numbered. I can check the barrel

 

[Mongo59]

I have checked mine and the numbers on the barrel do not correlate to the serial number.

 

[Mongo59]

You just got me reinterested in my Sweet Sixteen and I can't date the durn thing! It says "Sweet Sixteen" on the receiver but the serial is "A" over "9700". That doesn't match any date code chart I have found. It is an older 'round knob' stock and Belgian made. It came with a 26" IM/Mod and a 28" Modified barrels.

If you get done thinking yours out, throw me a bone, eh?

 

[ws6duramax]

You just got me reinterested in my Sweet Sixteen and I can't date the durn thing! It says "Sweet Sixteen" on the receiver but the serial is "A" over "9700". That doesn't match any date code chart I have found. It is an older 'round knob' stock and Belgian made. It came with a 26" IM/Mod and a 28" Modified barrels.

If you get done thinking yours out, throw me a bone, eh?

I would guess it to be a 1958 based of the 9700 sn. See below
1957-1958 "A" or "T" SN. #01 - 10900 "A" Indicated Sweet Sixteen and "T" indicated standard 16

 

[Mongo59]

I would guess it to be a 1958 based of the 9700 sn. See below
1957-1958 "A" or "T" SN. #01 - 10900 "A" Indicated Sweet Sixteen and "T" indicated standard 16

Thanks! But now it gets interesting. I was always told the Sweet Sixteen is to 16ga what Light Twelve is to 12ga. This one is not an alloy receiver, but steel. I am beginning to think I am getting senile...

 

[ws6duramax]

Thanks! But now it gets interesting. I was always told the Sweet Sixteen is to 16ga what Light Twelve is to 12ga. This one is not an alloy receiver, but steel. I am beginning to think I am getting senile...

As far as I know, receiver metal is the same.
Sweets usually use a lighter weight walnut wood in the butt stock, it's also hollowed out some for more weight reduction. The receiver has some extra metal milled out for weight savings and the round mounting band on the barrel has 3 holes drilled around it. There might be a few more differences but that's what I can think of offhand .

 

[Mongo59]

As far as I know, receiver metal is the same.
Sweets usually use a lighter weight walnut wood in the butt stock, it's also hollowed out some for more weight reduction. The receiver has some extra metal milled out for weight savings and the round mounting band on the barrel has 3 holes drilled around it. There might be a few more differences but that's what I can think of offhand .

Thanks again, I plan on getting this one up and running for rabbit season this year. It is the same age as my brother! Maybe I can get him to carry it for me...

 

[ws6duramax]

Thanks again, I plan on getting this one up and running for rabbit season this year. It is the same age as my brother! Maybe I can get him to carry it for me...

The A5 is always my go to for rabbit and pheasant hunting!!

If you ever decide to part ways with it, just let me know LOL!