The story of The Rifleman holds a special place in television history. Even 60 years later, the strong father-son relationship at the heart of the show remains one of the most cherished bonds on TV, one that many viewers remember fondly. For those who grew up watching this Western classic in the late 1950s, it was a weekly ritual that offered timeless lessons on values like respect, honesty, and courage.
Yet, The Rifleman isn’t just famous for its emotional impact—it also has a rich history full of funny mistakes, on-set secrets, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that only true fans know about. Let’s dive into some of these hidden gems that make this show even more memorable!
The Historical Inaccuracies We Love
Western shows like The Rifleman were known for their historical inaccuracies, but that didn’t stop viewers from loving them. These episodes, full of thrilling shootouts and close calls, offered more character depth than many shows today. Each episode ended with a powerful lesson, often focusing on essential human values wrapped in heartwarming, moral tales.
A Father-Son Duo Like No Other
At the center of The Rifleman was Lucas McCain, a widowed rancher and expert sharpshooter, played by the legendary Chuck Connors. Lucas was a strong, protective father raising his son, Mark, played by the charming Johnny Crawford. Together, they captivated audiences with their heartfelt bond and thrilling adventures across the Old West.
Even though the series is celebrated as one of the greatest of all time, no show is without its slip-ups. Let’s take a look behind the scenes to uncover some secrets that most viewers may not have noticed!
Lucas McCain: A Fashion Pioneer?
Lucas McCain might seem like your typical cowboy, but he was actually ahead of his time in the fashion world! In one episode, “End of a Young Gun,” Lucas is seen repairing a wagon wheel with his shirt off, giving fans a clear view of the “W” stitched on his back pocket—a telltale sign of Wrangler jeans.
The only problem? The show is set in the 1880s, but Wrangler jeans didn’t hit the market until the 1940s. Lucas McCain, unknowingly, became a fashion trendsetter!
Chuck Connors’ Real-Life Son Appears on the Show
The father-son bond wasn’t just limited to the screen. In the episode “Tension,” we see Lucas and Mark attending a friend’s funeral. Among the mourners is a young boy named Toby, played by none other than Chuck Connors’ real-life son, Jeff Connors. Jeff had two lines in the episode, and it was a touching moment, though bittersweet today as Jeff Connors passed away in 2014.
How Chuck Connors Landed the Role of a Lifetime
Finding the perfect actor for The Rifleman wasn’t easy. Chuck Connors had to compete against 40 other actors, and initially, he wasn’t even sure about taking the role due to a low salary offer.
But fate had other plans. When the show’s producers watched him as a strong father figure in Old Yeller, they changed their minds, offering him a better deal, including a five-percent ownership of the show. That sealed the deal, and Connors brought Lucas McCain to life on screen.
The Famous Winchester Rifle
Each episode opened with an unforgettable scene: Lucas McCain expertly firing off shot after shot with his saddle-ring carbine. To pull off this dramatic sequence, the production team used two identical 1892 Winchester rifles, customized to allow for rapid firing.
Some fans thought the scenes were edited or manipulated, but Chuck Connors really was that skilled! As a former pro athlete, he had the coordination and speed to make those moves look effortless.
The John Wayne Connection
Lucas McCain’s rifle had a unique history. This very rifle was first seen in John Wayne’s 1939 film Stagecoach. Later, The Rifleman’s producer, Arnold Levin, revealed that the rifle Lucas used on the show was the same one handled by “The Duke” himself.
Changing Names at the Madera Hotel
If you’re a close watcher, you might have noticed that the Madera Hotel, a landmark in North Fork, had a name change. In the pilot episode, The Sharpshooter, it was called the California House. Some fans speculate that the name change was due to a shift in ownership, but the real reason remains a mystery.
Johnny Crawford: Blacklisted at Age 3
Johnny Crawford, who played Mark McCain, began his acting career early. At just three years old, he auditioned for a film where he was supposed to play a refugee child and receive a chocolate bar from Rosalind Russell. But young Johnny refused to give the chocolate bar back for a second take, which may have led to him being blacklisted.
As Johnny recalled years later to The Miami Herald, “I think I got blacklisted after this film because the scene had to be reshot and I refused to give back my chocolate bar for the second take.”
The Challenge of Casting a New Female Lead
Throughout the show, Lucas’s romantic life was always a bit complicated. At one point, it seemed like he might find love with Milly Scott, played by Joan Taylor. However, when Milly left the show in season four, producers had to find a new love interest for Lucas. After interviewing over 60 women, they chose Patricia Blair, a stunning redhead from Texas.
Connors shared how difficult this process was: “A few months ago, I was handed what I thought was a dream assignment. At least it started out on a dreamlike note but almost snowballed into becoming a nightmare.”
Baseball Hall-of-Famers as Guest Stars
Besides being an excellent marksman, Lucas McCain was known for his baseball skills. Chuck Connors himself had been a professional baseball player. In one episode, he even welcomed former Dodgers star Duke Snider, known as “the Duke of Flatbush,” who played a character named Wallace.
A Brotherly Appearance
In addition to Chuck Connors’ son, Johnny Crawford’s real-life brother, Bobby Crawford, also appeared on the show. Bobby played a character named Freddy in the episode “Second Witness,” and both brothers earned Emmy nominations in 1959.
Connors’ Protective Side
Chuck Connors shared a close relationship with young Johnny Crawford, looking out for him like a father on and off the set. Johnny, who looked up to Connors, often spoke about his impact. “It was a fascinating part of my education listening to Chuck tell his baseball stories,” Johnny told The Buffalo News.
“He’d recite Casey at the Bat or do Shakespeare speeches. This always surprises people, that Chuck Connors knows Shakespeare.”
The Iconic Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr., famous for his talents as a singer, dancer, and actor, made a surprising guest appearance in The Rifleman. In the episode “Two Ounces of Tin,” he played Tip Corey, an outlaw with impressive gun-handling skills. He did all his stunts himself, showing off quick draws and spins that impressed the crew.
Chuck Connors’ Final Resting Place
Sadly, Chuck Connors passed away in 1992 after battling lung cancer. His headstone in San Fernando Mission Cemetery features the logos of the three sports teams he played for: the Boston Celtics, the Chicago Cubs, and the Brooklyn Dodgers, a touching tribute to his impressive athletic career.
The Legacy of The Rifleman
The Rifleman remains a beloved part of television history, celebrated for its unforgettable characters, thrilling scenes, and strong moral messages. Decades later, fans still feel a connection to the show, keeping its spirit alive through reruns and memories.
What are your favorite moments from The Rifleman? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
