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We take a quick look at the Rhodesian Army Shotgun known as the FN Auto 5, The design of course being of John Moses Browning's A5. Very Cool piece of history. Shotgun on loan from @otter_weapon_worx THANKS Americana Pipe Dream! Discount code ADMIN THANKS SDI! MERCH: PATREON: LINK TREE: 00:00 Cinematic Intro 00:44 Rhodesian Auto A5 03:29 THANKS AP & SDI! 04:34 Back to the Shotgun 04:49 Otter_Weapon_Worx 07:43 How does it shoot? 08:49 Manual of Arms 11:03 WHY? 12:20 Thanks for watching 12:40 bloopers The Browning Auto-5, like many other firearms, saw use in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) during a tumultuous period in its history. Rhodesia went through a protracted war of independence and civil conflict during the 1960s and 1970s, with various armed groups and government forces involved. The Auto-5 was used by some parties in this conflict, but specific details can be challenging to ascertain due to the clandestine nature of the conflict. Rhodesia was embroiled in a civil war from the 1960s to the late 1970s, as black nationalist groups sought to end white minority rule and achieve independence. The Rhodesian government, composed mainly of white settlers, faced off against various insurgent groups, such as the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA). During this conflict, various parties procured weapons from a range of sources, including surplus military arms and commercially available firearms. The Browning Auto-5, known for its reliability and effectiveness, would have been considered a valuable option for both government forces and insurgent groups operating in the region. The Rhodesian security forces, such as the Rhodesian Army and the police, are known to have used the Browning Auto-5 shotguns for various purposes. Shotguns, including the Auto-5, were employed for close-quarters combat and in counterinsurgency operations, given their stopping power at short ranges. It is also likely that some insurgent groups operating in Rhodesia may have acquired Browning Auto-5 shotguns through various means. These shotguns could have been used for self-defense, hunting, or in combat situations. While the Browning Auto-5 may have been utilized by both government forces and insurgent groups during the Rhodesian conflict, detailed records of its usage are limited. The conflict itself was characterized by secrecy, covert operations, and arms procurement from a variety of sources. As a result, information on specific firearms, including the Auto-5, and their use in Rhodesia during that period can be challenging to uncover. The Browning Auto-5, also known as the A5, is a semi-automatic shotgun that holds a special place in the history of firearms, as it was the first successful semi-automatic shotgun design. Here is a brief history of the Browning Auto-5: Invention by John Browning: The Browning Auto-5 was designed by the legendary American firearms inventor John Moses Browning. He started working on the design in the late 19th century, and his goal was to create a reliable and efficient semi-automatic shotgun. Patents and Development: Browning filed his first patent for the Auto-5 in 1900, which was granted in 1902. The shotgun went through several iterations and improvements before it was ready for production. The Browning Auto-5 was introduced to the market in 1905 by the Browning Arms Company, which was later acquired by the FN Herstal company in Belgium. It was one of the first semi-automatic shotguns available for civilian use. The Auto-5 is often recognized for its distinctive humpback receiver design, which accommodates the long recoil action mechanism. This design not only sets it apart aesthetically but also helps manage recoil and improve balance. The Browning Auto-5 was produced in various models and chamberings over the years and became immensely popular. It was used for hunting and sport shooting and saw action in both World War I and World War II. The shotgun was praised for its reliability and durability. The Auto-5 design was licensed to several manufacturers around the world, leading to the production of similar shotguns by various companies. After World War II, the Browning Auto-5 faced competition from newer semi-automatic shotgun designs. While the original Auto-5 was discontinued in the United States in 1998, variations and licensed versions were produced in other countries for several more years. In recent years, Browning introduced a new version of the Auto-5 in 2012, known as the A5, which incorporated modern materials and manufacturing processes while paying homage to the original design.
