Even after more than 60 years, the father-son relationship in The Rifleman still stands out as one of the greatest in TV history. This Western classic, which aired in the late 1950s, was a favorite for many, teaching lessons about honesty, respect, and family. For those who grew up watching it, the show holds a special place in their hearts.
But there’s more to The Rifleman than just its touching moments. Behind the scenes, there were hidden mistakes, fun trivia, and interesting facts that only die-hard fans would notice. Ready to uncover these hidden gems? Let’s dive into the world of The Rifleman!
One thing many people don’t mind about early Westerns like The Rifleman is that they were filled with historical mistakes. What makes them great isn’t accuracy but the depth of the characters and the heartwarming messages each episode delivered. Every show had a way of sharing basic human values in a way that’s still rare on TV today.
At the heart of The Rifleman was Chuck Connors, who played Lucas McCain, a tough but loving rancher and sharpshooter raising his young son, Mark. Johnny Crawford played Mark, and together, they became a beloved duo, winning over viewers with their deep bond and exciting adventures in the Old West.
Of course, even great shows have their slip-ups, and The Rifleman is no exception. Let’s take a look at some of the behind-the-scenes surprises most fans don’t know about!
Lucas McCain – A Trendsetter?
Lucas McCain was a cowboy who always looked sharp, but did you know he was almost 50 years ahead of fashion? In the episode End of a Young Gun, sharp-eyed viewers noticed something strange. While fixing a wagon wheel without a shirt, Lucas was spotted wearing Wranglers jeans! The catch?
The show is set in the 1880s, but Wranglers weren’t even made until the 1940s! Lucas McCain—always fashionable, even if he was a century too early!
Chuck Connors’ Real Son Appeared on the Show
One of the sweetest parts of The Rifleman was the father-son bond between Lucas and Mark. But did you know Chuck Connors’ real son appeared in one of the episodes? In Tension, Lucas and Mark attend the funeral of a friend, Sid Halpern. At the funeral, you’ll see the widow’s son, Toby, dressed in black.
That boy was played by Jeff Connors, Chuck’s real son. Sadly, Jeff passed away in 2014, but his role in The Rifleman remains a special moment.
Casting Chuck Connors Wasn’t Easy
Finding the perfect actor to play Lucas McCain wasn’t a walk in the park. Chuck Connors had to beat out 40 other actors for the role, and at first, it didn’t look like he’d get it. He even turned down the job because freelancing was more profitable for him. But everything changed when the show’s producers took their kids to see Chuck in Old Yeller, where he played a father.
They were so impressed, they offered him the role again, this time with a 5% ownership stake in the show. That sealed the deal!
The Famous Winchester Rifle
One of the most iconic parts of The Rifleman is the opening scene where Lucas McCain fires his Winchester rifle with lightning speed. Chuck Connors handled the rifle like a pro, switching it from hand to hand while glaring into the camera. In fact, Connors really was that fast! His experience as a professional athlete gave him the reflexes to handle the gun with ease.
Plus, the rifle was specially modified for rapid firing, adding to the excitement.
But here’s a fun fact: The Winchester rifle Lucas used didn’t actually exist during the time period the show was set in! The series takes place in the 1870s and 1880s, but the Winchester Model 1892 rifle wasn’t made until—yep, you guessed it—1892. And there’s more! This same rifle was used in John Wayne’s 1939 movie Stagecoach. Talk about a famous firearm!
Hotel Name Change
If you’re a true fan, you might have noticed that in the first episode, The Sharpshooter, the hotel in North Fork was called California House. But for the rest of the series, it was renamed the Madera Hotel. Why the change? No one knows for sure, but some speculate that the ownership of the hotel might’ve changed between episodes.
Johnny Crawford’s Blacklist Story
Johnny Crawford, who played Mark, had been acting since he was three years old, but his first acting gig didn’t go so well. He shared a funny story with The Miami Herald in 1973: “I don’t remember the movie, but I was one of several refugee kids in a scene with Rosalind Russell.
She gave us chocolate bars for the scene, but when they reshot it, I refused to give mine back! I think that’s what got me blacklisted!”
Searching for a New Female Lead
By season three, it looked like Lucas McCain was finally going to settle down with Milly Scott, played by Joan Taylor. But in season four, she left with a vague excuse about going back East. The producers were then on the hunt for a new female lead, and they created the character Lou Mallory.
However, finding the right actress wasn’t easy. Chuck Connors personally interviewed over a dozen women before they finally chose Patricia Blair, a redheaded actress from Texas. The search was tough, but the chemistry between Patricia and Chuck was perfect!
Baseball Legends on the Show
Did you know that some famous baseball players guest-starred on The Rifleman? In the episode The Retired Gun, Dodgers star Duke Snider appeared as Wallace. Another baseball legend, Don Drysdale, also made a guest appearance. While Lucas McCain may have been great at handling his Winchester rifle, these baseball stars were the real heavy hitters!
Johnny Crawford’s Brother Also Made an Appearance
The Rifleman was the first TV show to feature a single parent raising a child, and family was at the core of the show. Johnny Crawford’s real-life brother, Bobby Crawford, also made an appearance. In the episode Second Witness, Bobby played a character named Freddy. Both Johnny and Bobby were so talented that they were nominated for Emmys in 1959.
Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford’s Special Bond
Off-screen, Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford had a close relationship, much like Lucas and Mark. Chuck became a father figure to Johnny, and Johnny looked up to him, especially because of their shared love for baseball. Paul Fix, who played Marshal Micah Torrence, was another mentor to Johnny.
Fix even made sure all guns were locked up on set after a childhood accident almost took his life when a gun misfired.
The Buddy Hackett 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. Hollywood likes to have fun with these kinds of casting twists!
Baby Boy Played Baby Girl
In the episode The Babysitter, the baby girl Fancy was actually played by a boy named Robert Anacher. Hollywood can be full of surprises!
Chuck Connors—Pistol Expert?
Originally, Chuck Connors wasn’t going to be the famous rifleman we know him as today. In fact, in the pilot episode (which was meant for Gunsmoke), he was supposed to be a pistol expert! His character didn’t even have a son at first. Things sure changed for the better!
Sammy Davis Jr. Shines
Sammy Davis Jr., known as “Mr. Show Business,” made an unforgettable impression during his time on The Rifleman. The crew couldn’t stop talking about how talented he was. Sammy Davis Jr. truly left a mark on the show—and on American history.
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts on these fun facts about The Rifleman in the comments!
