A close friend of mine wanted me to have this Belgian A5 because it had been in his family for 3 generations and because he doesn't shoot shotguns very often (he's a rifle and pistol guy). I've never considered owning a 16 gauge, but this one seems to fit me well and is in solid, good condition. I've had to study and learn all about setting up the friction rings correctly, lightly oiling the magazine tube, etc. 16 gauge shotshells are expensive, but as historically important as the A5 is, I should take this on opening day of dove season.

When I got this one, it hadn't been fired in 45+ years. The friction rings were set up incorrectly, but I re-oriented them prior to shooting it. Seems to cycle well now.

When I was in high school in the 1980s, I never saw anyone using a 16 of any brand. Seems like the 16 was nearly extinct back then -- at least pretty rare in the field.

That gun looks to be in wonderful condition. I had a 80s Miroku sweet sixteen that got stolen. I loved that gun, especially since it had a choke system. 16ga seems to be making a comeback. Used to I couldn't find 16ga, so I set up to load my own. Now 16 ga is pretty readily available, and I realized that I could buy shells for about the same price I was loading them for. I hope you limit out with that beauty.

WOW !!! Nice shotgun and made for the dove fields.

That’s my favorite shotgun. Congratulations!!

I need friends like yours!

No better shotgun ever made

Good looking A5

That’s the only Beowning shotgun I’ve ever wanted.

I gotta get some better friends.

Got one my grandfather gave me. Whew, if I had a dollar every dove I knocked out of the sky with it I’d be retired. Love the sweet sixteen.

Totes like a 20, kills like a 12.

I have one just like it with a 26” IC barrel. It don’t shoulder on me real good, my arms are to long for it. But it was my paw paws, so it’ll have a home from now on. I still shoot it some, especially with a slug, it’s crazy accurate at 100 yards.

With handloads, you really can pretty much duplicate a 2 3/4" 12 gauge. Kills on both ends.

I've got my dad's it's killed a bunch of stuff since the 60s

Good for you! If he drinks I’d send him a bottle of nice bourbon or scotch. Really nice. I was fortunate to pick up a 1969 model a while back. I love it.

Excellent advice. He and I work in offices side by side, so I see him daily. I have reciprocated in a way very much as you say. The A5 is complex and mystical piece.

I love those old guns.

I need better friends

Very nice gift! I shot an 1100 16ga all through the 80’s for mainly dove/quail. But it worked well for rabbits too. Loved my 16!! I stupidly traded it for an 1100 12ga. I’ve regretted it ever since. I’ve been looking for a 16ga 1100 the last 5 years with no luck.