The Breach Loading Rifle was invented by Patrick Ferguson (1744 - 1780) Born in Pitfour, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Ferguson invented the breech-loading rifle, which was capable of firing seven shots per minute. With the help of this weapon, the Americans were defeated at the Battle of Brandywine (1777). He was killed at the Battle of King's Mountain in South Carolina, USA. More "news" later. Kerr.