Valuable Prop

Arnold Laven, the producer of The Rifleman, once made a captivating claim about a piece of history nestled among the show’s props. During an interview, he boldly asserted that Chuck Connors wielded the very same iconic rifle that John Wayne had used in the legendary Western film Stagecoach.

As each weekly episode began with the thunderous echo of 12 rifle shots, all supposedly fired from 1892 .44-40 Winchester model rifle, this assertion added an intriguing layer of authenticity to the show. Yet, this claim also sparked a sense of bewilderment among some, leaving them inquisitive and intrigued.