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Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

Gentlemen,
I purchased this shotgun today at a local gun show, came home and tried to figure out year of manufacture, no luck at all
The serial number on the receiver is the number 1 and below that is Y18XX.
Any help would be appreciated.
regards
Alanb

Member Joined: 07 Jan 2013 Posts: 398 Location: Virginia

Y-18xx would have entered into the Browning warehouse in the first half of 1956, but "Y" prefix guns are rare, only about 4.773 were made. Most post-war Sweet-Sixteens have an "X" prefix if prior to late 1953 or "S" if between 1953 and 1956. After 1956 the prefix was "A" until 1958 when the serial number had a suffix of "S".

My source is the Shirley and Vanderlinden book, page 76 - 79.

Can we see a photo of the serial number? You can obscure the last two digits if you like.

Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

Sir,
Thank you very much for your reply, yes I will post pics of my Birthday present to me. I just need to figure out how!
Best Regards
Alanb

Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

Gentlemen,
Re the serial number on 16, I phoned Browning today and spoke with their Historian. He was very helpful in the fact that yes there were over 4000 made in the "Y" serial # only 2, yes 2 made it to the USA Y1939 and Y1940.
Well I said How about mine sorry there is nothing I can do. Well may be it was shipped to Canada back in the 50's.
So here i am pleased with my purchase but no further ahead with the history.
Thank you for your help
Regards

Member Joined: 07 Jan 2013 Posts: 398 Location: Virginia

You have an unusual Sweet Sixteen with that "Y" prefix! Yes, maybe it was shipped to Canada or perhaps it was bought in Europe by a U.S. serviceman who brought it home. Whatever the story, you own the gun now and I assume you are in the United States.

The Sweet Sixteen is a fine gun and I hope you enjoy it!

Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

Sir,
Actually no, not the states but Southern Ontario.
I am going to go a little further with this the barrel is 29" long and it is more than full choke. I have a gauge that gives me choke sizes and the 16 ga. full will not fit into the barrel. I am really stumped on why Browning would make a small run of odd ball numbered shotguns!
Thank you

Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

Sir,
Actually no, not the states but Southern Ontario.
I am going to go a little further with this the barrel is 29" long and it is more than full choke. I have a gauge that gives me choke sizes and the 16 ga. full will not fit into the barrel. I am really stumped on why Browning would make a small run of odd ball numbered shotguns!
Thank you

Member Joined: 08 Jul 2013 Posts: 325

Alanb:

Look on the bottom of your barrel, there should be two diameters stamped. One is the 8.6" from the breech, the other at the muzzle. The difference between the two is the choke. Your choke gauge will be inaccurate if it assumes a larger bore diameter.

Joined: 26 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

Sir,
I may be misreading your post, the bore of my Sweet 16 is smaller than my gauge. If I am not mistaken reading my vernier it is .006" under my gauge.
Regards

Member Joined: 08 Jul 2013 Posts: 325

I'm trying to say that the Choke is the difference between the two numbers stamped on the bottom of the barrel. .9 mm is a Full Choke.

I also have one with serial #Y18xx. It was originally purchased in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada by the original buyer. It has a cutts compensator with all 3 chokes and came with a vent rib full choke which had been purchased at a later date. I shot 3 rounds of trap with the full choke and went 22,23,22 which I deemed to be a score for a keeper gun.

Great shooting
YES, a keeper
Mike