More than six decades after it first aired, the father-son relationship in The Rifleman still remains one of television’s most beloved bonds. Fans of the show from the late 1950s remember it as a classic Western, full of lessons on values like respect, honesty, and family. For many, The Rifleman wasn’t just about the action—it was about heart.
But did you know that The Rifleman was hiding some interesting trivia and behind-the-scenes mistakes that only the most die-hard fans caught? Whether it’s fashion mix-ups or fun guest appearances, this show had it all. Ready to take a trip back to the Old West? Let’s uncover some of the lesser-known facts about this iconic series.
Of course, some people don’t mind that Westerns like The Rifleman were loaded with historical errors. What mattered most were the well-developed characters and the heartwarming lessons each episode brought. Even today, it’s rare to find shows that pack the same emotional punch.
The series starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain, a sharpshooting rancher raising his son, Mark, played by Johnny Crawford. Their adventures in the Old West captured audiences, but their father-son relationship was the show’s true heart. It’s no wonder it became a favorite!
Let’s dive into some of the fun and surprising facts about The Rifleman that you might have missed!
A Cowboy Ahead of His Time
Who would have thought Lucas McCain, a cowboy from the 1880s, would be a fashion trendsetter? In one early episode, End of a Young Gun, Lucas was spotted wearing Wranglers while fixing a wagon. The sharp-eyed viewers who noticed this might’ve been a bit confused—after all, Wranglers didn’t exist until the 1940s! Lucas was nearly 50 years ahead of his time when it came to cowboy fashion.
Chuck Connors’ Real Son Guest Starred
The Rifleman was all about the father-son bond, and there was one episode where Chuck Connors’ real son, Jeff Connors, made a special appearance. In the episode Tension, Lucas and Mark go to the funeral of their friend, Sid Halpern.
At the funeral, they meet the widow and her son, Toby, played by none other than Chuck’s real-life son, Jeff Connors. Sadly, Jeff passed away in 2014, but this role left a memorable mark on fans of the show.
Landing the Role Wasn’t Easy for Chuck
While it may seem like Chuck Connors was the perfect fit to play Lucas McCain, getting the role wasn’t so simple. Connors had to compete with 40 other actors for the part. At first, he even turned down the offer because freelancing made him more money. But things took a turn when the producers of The Rifleman saw Chuck in the movie Old Yeller, where he played a father.
They loved his performance so much that they made him another offer—this time, with a five percent ownership in the show. That sealed the deal, and Chuck was soon cast as Lucas McCain.
Lucas McCain’s Iconic Rifle
What would The Rifleman be without Lucas McCain’s trusty Winchester rifle? In every episode, Lucas was seen firing the gun with incredible speed. Chuck Connors had a background as a pro athlete, and that helped him move quickly and handle the gun with ease. But the rifle itself was specially modified to allow for rapid firing, making Lucas’ sharpshooting skills even more impressive.
However, there was a little historical inaccuracy here too. The show takes place in the 1870s and 1880s, but the rifle Lucas used was actually a Winchester Model 1892, which wasn’t made until—well, 1892. And here’s an even cooler fact: This same rifle was used by John Wayne in his 1939 movie Stagecoach. Talk about an iconic weapon!
Name Change for the Hotel
In the first episode of The Rifleman, called The Sharpshooter, viewers were introduced to a hotel in North Fork called the California House. But in later episodes, the hotel’s name was changed to the Madera Hotel. There’s no official reason for the change, but fans have speculated that it may have been due to a change in ownership between episodes. A small detail, but a fun one for eagle-eyed fans!
Johnny Crawford’s First (and Hilarious) Blacklisting Story
Johnny Crawford, who played Mark, had been acting since he was three years old. But his first acting experience didn’t exactly go as planned. In an interview with The Miami Herald in 1973, Johnny shared a funny story: “I was one of several refugee kids in a scene with Rosalind Russell.
She gave us chocolate bars for the scene, and when they reshot it, I refused to give mine back! I think that’s what got me blacklisted!”
The Search for a New Female Lead
Romance wasn’t the focus of The Rifleman, but by the third season, it seemed like Lucas McCain was getting close to a romantic relationship with Milly Scott, played by Joan Taylor. However, when season four rolled around, Milly left with a vague explanation about going back East. The producers started looking for a new female lead, and they eventually created the character Lou Mallory.
Finding the right actress wasn’t easy, though. Chuck Connors personally interviewed over a dozen women before they finally chose Patricia Blair, a redhead from Texas, to play Lou Mallory. After reviewing more than 60 actresses, they finally found the perfect match.
Famous Baseball Players on the Show
Lucas McCain may have been a skilled rifleman, but some of his guest stars were even more skilled at swinging a bat! In the episode The Retired Gun, baseball legend Duke Snider, a star for the Dodgers, made an appearance as Wallace. Another baseball star, Don Drysdale, also guest-starred on the show. While Chuck Connors hit two home runs in his own baseball career, these players were true pros.
A Family Affair: Johnny Crawford’s Brother Appears Too
The Rifleman was a trailblazer for showing a single parent raising a child, and family was at the core of the show. But it wasn’t just Johnny Crawford who shined in the spotlight—his brother, Bobby Crawford, also made an appearance. In the episode Second Witness, Bobby played Freddy, and both brothers were nominated for Emmys in 1959. Talk about a talented family!
Chuck Connors’ Protective Nature
Off-screen, Chuck Connors was more than just an actor to Johnny Crawford—he was a father figure. Johnny admired Chuck, especially because they both shared a love for baseball. But Chuck wasn’t the only one who looked out for Johnny on set.
Paul Fix, who played Marshal Micah Torrence, also became a mentor to Johnny. In fact, Fix took special care to make sure all the guns on set were locked up after nearly being killed as a child when a gun misfired during a game with his brother.
Buddy Hackett’s Age Twist
In one episode, famous comedian Buddy Hackett played a father who was actually younger than his on-screen son! Hackett, born in 1924, played Daniel Malakie, while his son was played by Christopher Dark, who was born in 1920. It’s always fun when Hollywood plays with age dynamics!
Baby Boy Played a Baby Girl
In the episode The Babysitter, there’s a scene with a baby girl named Fancy, but here’s the catch—the baby girl was actually played by a boy named Robert Anacher! Hollywood loves to mix things up!
The Original Idea for Chuck’s Character
Before The Rifleman became what it is today, the pilot episode was actually meant for another show—Gunsmoke. And instead of being a sharpshooter, Lucas McCain was supposed to be a pistol expert. His character didn’t even have a son! Talk about a major change!
Sammy Davis Jr. Left an Impression
Sammy Davis Jr., known as “Mr. Show Business,” made a big impact when he guest-starred on The Rifleman. His talent was undeniable, and he impressed everyone on set. Sammy Davis Jr.’s appearance added even more star power to an already iconic show.
What do you think of these hidden facts? Let’s hear your thoughts!
