The Rifleman (1958-1963) is a beloved Western known for its father-son dynamic and life lessons. However, the show had its share of historical inaccuracies and bloopers.
For instance, in End of a Young Gun, Lucas McCain wears Wrangler jeans, which weren’t introduced until the 1940s, despite the show’s 1880s setting. The characters’ 1950s hairstyles also clash with the Old West time period.
Casting was also full of surprises: Chuck Connors, initially hesitant to take the role of Lucas, was chosen after producers saw his performance in Old Yeller. Chuck’s real-life son, Jeff Connors, made a brief cameo, as did Johnny Crawford’s brother Bobby, both of whom earned Emmy nominations.
