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Posted: 6/14/2004 2:41:45 PM EDT
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I need some opinions on the worth of a shotgun I recently inherited from my step-grandfather. It is a 1954 Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen (16-gauge) shotgun. Personally, I would rate it as about 98% of the bluing left, excellent wood stock and forearm, and only a couple small chips out of the plastic buttplate. Other than that, the shotgun has no physical damage, and, to my knowledge, has only had at least 2 shots through it. Personally, this gun has no emotinal importance as I barely knew my step-grandfather, and my dad (from his side of the family) does not want to keep it as he has no use for it. So between us both we have decided to sell it. What do you think it is worth? Also, if you know of a "Blue-Book" for shotguns, please let me know. Thanks! |
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Ditto with Mike. Get a box of shells and take the sweet 16 out next time you quail hunt. You will find that the shotgun has a huge following, and you will know why once you use it. Granted that it would not be one of the top ten shotguns I would seek out to buy (tend to drop way too much money on O/U’s), bit if I had the chance to own one, I sure in hell wouldn't pass up the opportunity. |
| Yes they were made in Japan I think starting in the 80's sometime. They are out of production at this time. Having a Belgium Browning A5 Sweet sixteen in 98% condition given to you for no funds is a magical moment for most upland game gunners. I agree with Dano, it's not on my must buy list but it is on my keep it for free list. MIKE. |
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Well, the idea of keeping it has grown on me. But I am not yet willing to say yes or no to actually doing so. Personally, I am not a shotgun fan. I do not hunt any type of fowl and from the two rounds I have shot out of it, it kicks like a pissed-off mule.  I will keep you guys informed as to my route of travel. Thanks so far! |
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Here's what I found out today. I went to the SAXET gun show here in Austin to bring the Browning to a dealer who said he would like to see it. I was only looking for him to tell me its value, not to sell it. His opinions were as follows... 1. The reciever and all metal (including the markings) were all excellent. 2. The wood showed no signs of cracking after 50 years. 3. The barrel was very clean and he said it looked like less than 2 boxes of shells had been run through it. 4. The wood appeared to have been refinished. But he said that whoever did it knew what they were doing cause it is well done. 5. The gun was made in 1954 in Belgium and the barrel read "2 3/4 Shells". He said all three of those added value. All-in-all he said that my original guess of about 98%-99% condition was right on the mark, but that the fact that the wood MIGHT have been refinished, in his opinion, dropped the condition down to a bit below 90%. He offered me $775 on the spot for it and I declined, saying that I was gonna wait and look at all my options. My dad called and had me ask him what he (the dealer) would turn around and sell it for. Not surprisingly, the dealer was reluctant to say what he would actually sell it for.  Go figure....Anyway, I just wanted to see if you guys thought that the above quoted price was fair. I had some guy at the gun show tell me to sell it online to get more for it but I don't know. For sure, my parents do want to sell it to help pay for my college books this year, but we are just unsure about how to go about doing so. Thanks! |
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I agree with your first question. The dealer asked the same thing as well. Honestly, I have no clue as to why the stock may have been refinished with very little wear on it. I never got around to talking to my step-grandfather about it. Is it possible that it was merely restained or something? As to the type of choke it is I have no idea. I profess no knowledge of shotguns (although I need to learn...). If you could give me some options I could choose what type I have here. I will have to check the various gun auction sites to check on what this type of gun would bring there. I have already checked a couple and most Sweet Sixteens are in the $800-$1200 price range. I just wish he would have told me how much he would turn it around and sell it for.  Then I would really know the market value of this shotgun. But as my economics professor once told me, the market price of an item is whatever someone is willing to give you for it. Kind of obvious but I need someone who wants one to shoot me an offer so I will know.  Thanks so far! |
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