Grew up shooting SXS but love an A5. After my youth model single shot I got a hand me down 20 ga. Spainish made double that had barrels cut to open the chokes up for quail hunting. That front trigger on that gun was wide it was knuckle buster of a gun and had to always wear gloves. Actually they were fighter pilot gloves that we got from Army/Surplus with that super thin goatskin leather. After that always preferred a single trigger sxs, but will never do that to Parker that did not come that way. Switch between types all the time, it's just like riding a different bike for one or two shots but after while double triggers is old hat.
It is such a hoot shooting A5 when that barrel recoils and hearing that ring. It is unmistakable when you hear that A5 pinging away. Feels like shooting an anti-aircraft gun. But, I do a agree with Bruce they are not soft shooting, especially a 12 gauge. I think that is why the 16 gauge A5 or Sweet 16 is so remembered and is great gun. It works great with 1 ounce loads and I have never had a problem with it being too heavy on recoil. Have never thought about it but have never been beat up by a 16 gauge or smaller gauge gun.
BTW found this article other day by Bill Hanus, which was big defender of truth and justice when it comes to 16 Gauge. Great read and he notes the favored status of 16 gauge Parkers for grouse. Also like the part of due to shot stringing and 16 ga having a 33% less issue, shooting a 1 ounce 16 ga load and getting shot on target on time was the same as shooting a 12 gauge 1 1/4 ounce load. Hence saying "shoots like a 12 but kicks like a 20".
http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article...Baby-Page1.htm