The Ferguson Rifle
The Ferguson Rifle is different. Revolutionary for its time. In the world
of flintlock rifles it still is. Though not the first breech loader, it was the
first that was easy to load.
Captain Ferguson's patent was all about the breech plug. What made
it unique was the 11 thread plug attached to the trigger guard. One
three hundred sixty degree revolution of the trigger guard would drop
the plug low enough to clear the chamber for loading with the 68 cal
pure lead ball and seventy-two grains of black powder. Since the
chamber only held seventy grains it could not be over charged. When
the breech was raised, the residual powder was pushed out the top
and could be used to charge the flashpan, being conveniently located
directly across from the Breech one would simply close the pan, cock
and fire the weapon.
There are only two known to be in existence of the three hundred or
so originals. The weapon we are going to build comes in kit form and
was cast from wax castings from the only original known to be in firing
condition. It is as close to an original as one can get.
