The Ferguson rifle is a type of breech-loading firearm developed in the 18th century by British officer Patrick Ferguson. It was notable for its innovative design, allowing soldiers to load the rifle from the rear, which significantly increased the speed of reloading compared to traditional muzzle-loading rifles. This rifle featured a rifled barrel, which improved accuracy and range. The Ferguson rifle was used during the American Revolutionary War, but its production was limited, and it never became widely adopted. Despite this, it is recognized for its advanced technology for its time and influenced future firearm designs.