The Ferguson Rifle was an early breech-loading rifle, which saw limited use in the American War of Independence. Because of its design, it combined the accuracy of a rifle with a firing rate well in excess of even a smoothbore musket. Despite these advantages it was considered too expensive and time-consuming for general issue, and only a few hundred ended up being made. What would have to change, technologically speaking, to make mass-production of Fergusons a feasible prospect?