The opening scene with the 1892 Winchester guns may have given the impression that it was staged or trick photography. In actuality, though, Connors was really that quick and nimble with his carbine. He had remarkable talents and coordination that made such swift motions appear natural because he was a former athlete who played professional baseball and basketball in both major and minor leagues before turning to acting. However, we are aware that the weapon was modified to allow for quick fire by varying the lever action.
The Duke connection
More than just a prop, Lucas McCain’s reliable Winchester rifle was a scene-stealer with a fascinating history.
(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([“_mgc.load”])})(window,”_mgq”);
Since The Rifleman was set in the 1870s and 1880s, the Winchester rifle from 1892 could not have been around at that time.
However, this legendary gun had already appeared on the big screen, first appearing in Stagecoach, a great John Wayne picture from 1939. Producer Arnold Levin later revealed the thrilling information: the gun that Lucas McCain used was the same one that the Duke used in his iconic movie.
