* Full ** Modified *** Improved Stamped on the Barrel.
They used stars to show how the barrel is choked. 1 star is for full, 2 for modified, and so on down through the chokes.
Choke designation
Good Question This is on the older Belgian barrels. "16" stands for the guage which is a 16ga. "65" stands for the length of the chamber. In this case: 65mm = 2 9/16"
I will first say that your browning sweet sixteen was made in 1949.It was made for browning by fabrique nationale in belguim.There should be scroll writing on the receiver saying sweet sixteen.The chamber is for 2-3/4 in shells.Your shotgun is based on the john m browning auto-5 design.There were 3 different barrel types available from browning.First a plain barrel,then a matte finish on top barrel,and last a vent rib barrel.for a more detailed identification you can probably go to browning,s home page and ask for help from them.
Rate of twist on this model is 1 in 9 1/2"
It stands for Modified choke.
This gun was made in 1971. Value depends on condition. A two barrel set usually adds about $300 of value for the second barrel. In a Browning case it usually adds another $300. Depending on condition The gun could go between $400 and $1500 depending, before adding the extra barrel. A professional appraisal is recommended.
The Belgium made Browning Twelvette is valued at approximately $900. It has a 27 1/2 inch barrel and unloaded, it weights 7 pounds and 4 5/8 ounces.
Your Browning auto-5 shotgun in 16 gauge,which was made in the year 1926 will bring 325 dollars for a plain barrel model,375 dollars for a solid matte rib barrel model,and 465 dollars for a vent rib barrel model.You may subtract 25% for the above stated prices if your Browning shotgun has a 2 9/16 inch chamber.These were made from 1909-1926.In 1927 Browning had there shotguns chambered in 2 3/4 inch chambers only.
Browning doesnt show the BT99 as a 299 model code. They list the BT99 as a model 149. Below is the link to the Browning codes.
Most weigh between 6 1/2 lbs to 8lbs depending on the length of the barrel and if it is a Lightwweight or Magnum