Even after more than six decades, The Rifleman remains one of television’s most iconic father-son dramas. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Old West, it wasn’t just another cowboy series—it delivered powerful life lessons about love, discipline, integrity, and resilience, all wrapped in the heartfelt bond between Lucas McCain and his son, Mark.
Chuck Connors brought Lucas McCain to life, portraying a widowed rancher raising his boy alone. Johnny Crawford, who played Mark, gave the series its emotional core. Their onscreen relationship resonated with audiences then and still moves fans today. But beyond the gripping plots and endearing characters, The Rifleman holds a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes facts, goofs, and trivia that confirm what die-hard fans long suspected: this show was much more than it appeared.
Take Lucas McCain’s jeans, for instance. In the episode End of a Young Gun, viewers may recall him fixing a wagon wheel shirtless, revealing a pair of Wrangler jeans. But there’s a historical twist—Wranglers weren’t even produced until the 1940s, while the show is set in the 1880s. Lucas McCain wasn’t just a sharp shooter; he was, apparently, a fashion pioneer half a century ahead of his time.
One touching moment lies in the episode Tension, where Chuck Connors’ real-life son, Jeff Connors, makes a brief appearance as Toby, the black-clad son of a grieving widow. Jeff had only two lines, but the moment was heartfelt. Tragically, he passed away in 2014, but his short role left a lasting impact.
Getting Chuck Connors for the lead role wasn’t easy. Initially, he turned down the part due to a low offer from ABC, which didn’t match what he could earn freelancing. The turning point came when producers saw him play a strong father figure in Old Yeller. That performance convinced them to return with a much-improved offer, including five percent ownership of the show—an offer Connors couldn’t refuse.
Then there’s the iconic Winchester rifle, prominently featured in the show’s opening. Chuck Connors demonstrated near-superhuman skill with the 1892 model rifle, spinning, cocking, and firing it with lightning speed. While some viewers assumed it was camera trickery, it wasn’t—Connors, a former professional athlete, was just that skilled. To enable rapid fire, the gun was slightly modified, but the athleticism and coordination were all his
Curiously, the rifle’s history extends beyond The Rifleman. The very same gun had previously appeared in the 1939 John Wayne classic Stagecoach. The connection was later confirmed by producer Arnold Levin, adding yet another layer to the weapon’s legendary status.
Some inconsistencies snuck into the show, like the renaming of the town hotel. In the pilot, the inn was called the California House, but by later episodes, it became known as the Madera Hotel. No official explanation was ever given, though some speculate a fictional change of ownership.
Johnny Crawford, too, had a unique journey. His first time on camera came at the age of three, but it ended in an unexpected setback. During a scene in which children were handed chocolate bars by actress Rosalind Russell, Johnny reportedly refused to give his candy back during a second take. The innocent defiance supposedly led to his name being unofficially blacklisted for a time.
Romantic subplots were occasionally teased, such as with Joan Taylor’s character, Milly Scott. Audiences thought Milly and Lucas might become a couple, but the storyline vanished when she left in season four. That led to the introduction of a new female character, Lou Mallory. Casting her proved difficult—Chuck Connors personally interviewed more than 60 actresses before selecting Patricia Blair, a fiery redhead from Texas, whose chemistry with him was undeniable.
Chuck’s sports background also brought in a few familiar faces from the baseball world. Dodgers legend Duke Snider appeared as a guest star in The Retired Gun, and Don Drysdale also made an appearance. Despite Connors’ own time in Major League Baseball, he hit only two home runs—nowhere near Snider’s record.
The show also featured appearances from the real-life brothers of its stars. Johnny Crawford’s brother, Bobby Crawford, guest-starred in Second Witness, earning both boys Emmy nominations in 1959. Bobby later starred in Laramie and is still alive today.
Off-camera, Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford shared a deep bond that extended beyond the set. Chuck mentored the young actor, sharing everything from baseball stories to Shakespeare. Marshal Micah Torrence, played by Paul Fix, also took on a fatherly role, personally overseeing weapon safety on set—a precaution rooted in his own near-fatal childhood experience with a misfired gun.
There were even quirky casting moments, such as the comedic legend Buddy Hackett playing the father of an actor who was actually older than him—Christopher Dark—proving once again that Hollywood has never been afraid to play with age.
And then there was Robert Anacher, who played a baby girl named Fancy in the episode The Baby Sitter. In real life? He was a boy.
Originally developed as a pilot for Gunsmoke, the series’ first episode featured Chuck Connors as a childless man and a pistol expert, hinting at how the concept evolved before becoming The Rifleman we know today.
Among the show’s many fans was Sammy Davis Jr., whose admiration for the series and its stars left a lasting impression on the cast and crew.
Ultimately, The Rifleman endures because it was more than just a Western. It blended thrilling action with emotional storytelling, historical quirks, and deeply human relationships. Behind the gunfire and cowboy hats was a series full of heart—and an enduring legacy that continues to surprise and inspire, even decades later.