Rare mistakes and behind-the-scenes bloopers in The Rifleman

The father-son relationship in The Rifleman remains one of television’s most iconic, even after more than six decades.

For viewers who grew up in the late 1950s, this classic Western was a staple, offering not only thrilling adventures but also timeless lessons in honesty, respect, and integrity.

Yet beyond its heartfelt storytelling, The Rifleman has its share of lesser-known mistakes, behind-the-scenes bloopers, and fascinating tidbits that only the most devoted fans might spot. Early Westerns often played fast and loose with historical accuracy, but that never stopped the show from delivering rich characters and meaningful life lessons. Each episode combined entertainment with a moral message that resonated with viewers of all ages.

Chuck Connors starred as Lucas McCain, the widowed rancher and expert marksman raising his son Mark, played by Johnny Crawford. Their bond captivated audiences, showcasing both thrilling action and touching family moments. Even the best series, however, had its quirks and slip-ups, and The Rifleman is no exception. Let’s dive into some behind-the-scenes details and surprises many fans might not know.

Lucas McCain: A Fashion Trendsetter
Though a cowboy through and through, Lucas McCain was ahead of his time in fashion. In the episode “End of a Young Gun,” viewers might spot a shirtless Lucas repairing a wagon wheel—wearing jeans with a “W” stitched on the back pocket: Wranglers. The funny twist? The show is set in the 1880s, decades before Wranglers existed. Clearly, Lucas McCain was a cowboy ahead of his era.

Connors’ Real-Life Son Appears
The series’ father-son dynamic mirrored reality in a small but meaningful way. In the episode “Tension,” during a funeral scene, Jeff Connors—Chuck Connors’ second son—played the role of Toby, the young son of the deceased. He had just two lines, but his presence added a genuine touch. Sadly, Jeff passed away in 2014.

Casting Chuck Connors Wasn’t Easy
Landing the lead wasn’t simple. Connors had to compete with 40 other actors and initially declined ABC’s offer due to low pay. After producers brought their children to see Old Yeller, in which Connors played a strong father figure, they returned with a better deal—including five percent ownership of the show—securing him the role.

The Iconic 1892 Winchester Rifle
Each episode opened with Connors demonstrating his sharpshooting skills with a lever-action Winchester, cranking off rapid-fire shots while twirling the weapon with dramatic flair. The production used two identical rifles to film these sequences. Connors’ athletic background in professional baseball and basketball allowed him to perform these feats convincingly. Interestingly, the rifle was customized for speed, and historically, it couldn’t have existed in the 1870s or 1880s. Moreover, the weapon had cinematic history, appearing decades earlier in John Wayne’s 1939 film Stagecoach.

Madera Hotel Name Change
Throughout the series, the Madera Hotel appeared often. Oddly, in the pilot episode, it was called the California House. Fans speculate about ownership changes, but the reason remains unknown.

Johnny Crawford’s Early Blacklisting
Johnny Crawford, who played Mark McCain, faced an early setback at age 3, being blacklisted after a scene requiring him to return chocolate bars in a reshoot. This mishap kept him off-screen temporarily but did not hinder his eventual success.

Casting a New Female Lead
After Joan Taylor left the show as Milly Scott, producers searched for a new female character. Chuck Connors personally interviewed over 60 actresses to find the right fit, eventually choosing Patricia Blair, whose chemistry with Connors worked perfectly.

Famous Guests and Sports Crossovers
The show occasionally featured famous athletes, like Dodgers star Duke Snider and pitcher Don Drysdale, appearing as guest stars. Lucas McCain’s own baseball skills, though notable, could not match Snider’s professional talent. Additionally, Johnny Crawford’s brother Bobby appeared in an episode, earning Emmy recognition alongside Johnny.

Protective Mentors
Chuck Connors and Paul Fix, who played Marshal Micah Torrence, took special care of Johnny Crawford on set. Fix had a near-fatal accident as a child, which fueled his protective approach to handling firearms around the young actor.

Casting Quirks and Gender Swaps
Hollywood logic reigned supreme in some casting choices: Buddy Hackett played the father of a character older than himself, and the baby girl Fancy in one episode was actually played by a boy, Robert Anacher.

Other Fun Facts

• Chuck Connors’ character was a dead shot with a pistol, and his real-life athleticism enhanced his performances.
• Sammy Davis Jr. appeared as outlaw Tip Corey, performing his own impressive stunts and gun work without a stand-in.
• Hairstyles and wardrobe often reflected mid-20th century trends rather than the 1880s, creating a charming anachronistic flair.

Chuck Connors’ Legacy
Connors, an accomplished athlete in both MLB and the NBA, passed away in 1992 due to lung cancer after battling pneumonia. His headstone at San Fernando Mission Cemetery bears the logos of the Boston Celtics, Chicago Cubs, and Brooklyn Dodgers, celebrating his unique sports and entertainment career.

The Rifleman endures as a landmark series in television history. Its combination of heartfelt father-son relationships, memorable characters, and engaging Western adventure ensures it still resonates with audiences today. The reruns remain enjoyable, and the legacies of Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford continue to inspire. RIP to both icons.