Make: Miroku, in Japan, For Browning
Model: Auto 5, Sweet Sixteen, Ducks Unlimited
Serial Number: 88DU000441
Year of Manufacture: 1988 / Modern
Gauge: 16 GA, 2 3/4" Shells
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Tube Magazine Fed Shotgun.
Barrel Length: 26" Vent-Rib.
Choke: The barrel is threaded for Invector chokes, FULL choke installed.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead, fixed to the ventilated rib; the top of the rib is milled in a wave-like pattern for glare reduction; the top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are gloss finished checkered walnut with round pistol grip, fluted straight comb, rubber buttpad, and forend with wrap around checkering and finger grooves running the length. The LOP measures 14 1/8" from the front of the gold-colored trigger to the back of the black rubber recoil pad. The pad has a black spacer. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Coin Plated
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no notable operational wear. The finish is strong and complete throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with its Ducks Unlimited case with key.
Our Assessment: John M. Browning's Auto-5 was the first successful production semiautomatic shotgun and became one of the most enduring sporting arms of the 20th century, operating through Browning's distinctive long-recoil system. The lightweight 16-gauge Sweet Sixteen became one of the most admired variants, combining much of the field capability of a 12 gauge with a lighter, quicker-handling gun. This Japanese-made Miroku example was produced for Ducks Unlimited's 1988-89 Gun of the Year program, with 5,500 of the special Sweet Sixteens produced. These later Miroku guns also brought practical improvements such as Invector choke tubes while retaining the unmistakable humpback profile and long-recoil action of the original Auto-5.
This example is exceptionally well preserved, retaining approximately 99% of its original metal finish with an excellent set of gloss-finished walnut stocks and a bright 10/10 bore. Its 26" vent-rib barrel is fitted with an Invector Full choke, and the action functions correctly. The accompanying Ducks Unlimited presentation case with key further strengthens an already attractive collector package. Combining the highly regarded Sweet Sixteen configuration with Ducks Unlimited provenance, near-pristine condition, and Japanese Miroku workmanship, this is a particularly desirable Auto-5 for the Browning or sporting-shotgun collector.
