Secrets Of TV’s The Rifleman: More Than Just Guns And Good Times

Rifle Tricks

When The Rifleman premiered, westerns were very common on TV. Producers wanted to make the series would stick out, so they modified a Winchester Model 1892 rifle with a large ring lever drilled and tapped for a set screw. This modification allowed Connors to cock the rifle by spinning it around in his hand. Also, the screw could be positioned so the actor could depress the trigger each time he used the lever. This made it possible for Connors to be able to fire rapidly and empty the magazine in under five seconds during the show’s opening credits, which occurred on North Fork’s main street.