The British Conquered the World With the Enfield Rifle While the Pattern 53 ushered in the era of the rifle it was to be short-lived as breech-loading technology was developed. Here's What You Need To Remember: The Enfield rifle represented a major - if brief - technological step up, and served as one of the first modern exported rifles across the world. The Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle was developed in time for use by the British Army in its first great war in decades and was arguably the catalyst of another conflict that nearly destroyed its colonial empire. While its use as the main service rifle was short-lived, lasting just thirteen years, it was a proven weapon that earned a reputation for reliability when it was used by both sides during the American Civil War. This rifle didn't build the British Empire but it helped maintain the foundation and paved the way for future firearms development.