Even after 60 years, the father-son bond in The Rifleman is still considered one of TV’s greatest. This iconic Western, which taught lessons of honesty, respect, and family values, became a favorite for many viewers who grew up in the late 1950s.
But there are some fun and surprising facts about The Rifleman that even the most dedicated fans might not know!
Get ready to uncover some of the lesser-known secrets behind this legendary show!
While many people are quick to point out historical mistakes in old Westerns like The Rifleman, it’s important to remember that these shows still offer something today’s TV often lacks—well-developed characters and meaningful life lessons.
Each episode focused on basic human values, often delivering heartwarming messages that viewers still remember fondly.
At the heart of the show was Chuck Connors, who played Lucas McCain, a tough but caring rancher and sharpshooter. He raised his son, Mark (played by the charming Johnny Crawford), while living in the wild and rugged world of the Old West. The bond between the two characters made The Rifleman unforgettable.
Even the greatest TV shows make mistakes, though, and The Rifleman was no exception! But let’s take a look behind the scenes and discover some of the fun facts and trivia that most viewers didn’t notice.
Lucas McCain: A Trendsetter Ahead of His Time
It’s no surprise that Lucas McCain, the tough cowboy, preferred wearing jeans. But did you know he was actually ahead of his time? In the episode End of a Young Gun, Lucas is seen fixing a wagon wheel without a shirt. He’s wearing Wranglers, which were recognized by the “W” on the back pocket.
The interesting thing? While The Rifleman was set in the 1880s, Wranglers weren’t made until the 1940s! Lucas McCain was always setting trends, even if they were in the wrong century!
Chuck’s Real Son Makes an Appearance
The father-son dynamic was central to The Rifleman, and it turns out that Chuck Connors’ real-life son also appeared on the show! In the episode Tension, Lucas and Mark attend the funeral of their friend Sid Halpern.
At the funeral, a young boy named Toby appears, and that boy was played by none other than Jeff Connors, Chuck’s second son with Faith Quabius. Sadly, Jeff passed away in 2014.
Finding the Right Actor for Lucas McCain Was No Easy Task
Casting for The Rifleman wasn’t as simple as picking a popular actor. Chuck Connors had to compete with 40 other actors for the role of Lucas McCain. At first, he wasn’t interested, as he could earn more money freelancing.
However, the producers saw him in the movie Old Yeller and were impressed by his portrayal of a father. They came back with a better offer, which included a five percent ownership in the show. This new deal quickly sealed the deal for Chuck!
The 1892 Winchester Rifle: More Than Just a Prop
Every episode of The Rifleman featured Chuck Connors showing off his incredible skills with his famous rifle. He would quickly switch the rifle from hand to hand while loading it with ease. What’s impressive is that Connors really could shoot that fast.
His background in professional baseball and basketball gave him quick reflexes. To make things even more interesting, the production used two identical 1892 Winchester rifles—one for filming and the other as a backup. But here’s the twist: Since The Rifleman was set in the 1880s, the 1892 rifle didn’t even exist yet!
The rifle used in the show actually had a connection to Hollywood legend John Wayne. The same rifle was used in Wayne’s famous 1939 film Stagecoach. Producer Arnold Levin revealed that Lucas McCain’s rifle was the same one used by the Duke in that movie.
The Madera Hotel Mystery
The Madera Hotel was a key landmark in the show, appearing throughout many episodes. However, in the pilot episode, The Sharpshooter, it was referred to as California House. The reason for this change is unclear, but rumors suggest it had something to do with a change in ownership between episodes.
Johnny Crawford’s Blacklist Story
Johnny Crawford, who played Mark McCain, got an early start in acting when he was just three years old. But his first experience wasn’t exactly smooth! Crawford recalled, “I don’t remember the movie, but I was one of several refugee kids in a scene with Rosalind Russell.
She was giving us chocolate bars. They had to reshoot the scene, but I refused to give my chocolate back, and I think that got me blacklisted!” It’s funny to think about how one tiny moment could change the course of someone’s career.
The Tough Search for a New Female Lead
In the early seasons of The Rifleman, Lucas McCain mostly focused on raising his son, but by season three, it seemed like he might find romance with Milly Scott (played by Joan Taylor). However, by season four, Milly mysteriously left, and producers had to search for a new female lead.
After reviewing more than 60 actresses, they finally cast Patricia Blair as Lou Mallory. It took quite a while to find the right fit, and Chuck Connors played an important role in interviewing potential actresses to make sure they had the right chemistry.
Baseball Legends on The Rifleman
In the show, Lucas McCain was known for his baseball skills, but did you know that real baseball stars also appeared on the show? In the episode The Retired Gun, legendary Dodgers player Duke Snider made a guest appearance.
Chuck Connors himself had been a professional baseball player, but he could only claim two home runs in his career. Snider, on the other hand, was a true baseball great!
Johnny’s Brother Appeared Too
The Rifleman was the first TV show to feature a single father raising his son. But Johnny Crawford wasn’t the only member of the Crawford family to appear on the show. Johnny’s brother, Bobby Crawford, made a guest appearance in the episode Second Witness, where he played a character named Freddy.
Both Johnny and Bobby Crawford were nominated for Emmys in 1959 for their performances on the show.
Chuck Connors: A Father Figure On and Off Screen
Chuck Connors wasn’t just a father figure to his character’s son, Mark—he was a mentor to Johnny Crawford in real life too. Johnny admired Chuck, especially for his love of baseball, and learned many valuable lessons from him both on and off the set.
In fact, Chuck’s co-star Paul Fix, who played Marshal Micah Torrence, also took on a fatherly role for Johnny. Fix made sure all the guns were locked up on set, as he had nearly been killed by a gun misfire during a childhood game.
The Buddy Hackett Twist
In one surprising episode, the legendary comedian Buddy Hackett played a father who was actually younger than his “son”! Hackett, born in 1924, played a character named Daniel Malakie, who had sons that were arrested.
His “son” was played by Christopher Dark, who was born in 1920. Hollywood has a fun way of bending age roles, and this episode was a perfect example!
Baby Boy as Baby Girl
In The Babysitter, the character of Fancy was a baby girl. But in a surprising twist, the actor who played Fancy, Robert Anacher, was actually a boy!
Chuck Connors Was Supposed to Be a Pistol Expert
In the show’s original pilot, Chuck Connors was meant to be a pistol expert. This version was originally intended for Gunsmoke, but Connors was later cast as Lucas McCain in The Rifleman instead.
Sammy Davis Jr. Left an Impression
The legendary Sammy Davis Jr., known as “Mr. Show Business,” made a memorable appearance on the show. During his time on set, he impressed the crew with his talent and presence, further cementing his status as an entertainment icon.
What do you think of these behind-the-scenes stories from The Rifleman? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
