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Chuck Connors' Last Modified Winchester "Rifleman" Style Rifle

The genre of Western movies is an important part of our nation’s heritage, and over the years these films have become American classics. From the time of Tom Mix, the stories and events of the westward expansion of the United States have been told factually and fictitiously. In almost every Western tale, two characters meet - the "lawman" and the outlaw" - at some crucial moment, face to face. One of the most legendary lawmen was Lucas McCain, a role portrayed by Chuck Connors in the ABC-TV classic “The Rifleman.” The weapon that made the Rifleman a television legend was an 1892 .44-40 Winchester carbine. The gun itself was specially modified with a large loop and metal tab to turn his rifle into a rapid-firing machine. The modification was made giving Connors the ability to spin and cock the rifle in a dramatic fashion. The trigger guard was retooled with a screw to trip the trigger every time the lever was closed. The gun became an icon for Connors, and today is one of the most recognizable guns in the world.

Through our research, we've learned that there were at least three carbines used in the show - two identical Winchesters, one for Chuck to use and the other maintained as a backup; and then a third rifle which was modified from a Spanish version of the Winchester called an “El Tigre.” This version was holstered on McCain’s horse and was never drawn. In existence were two other loop-lever Winchester 92 carbines that he owned, but had no relationship with the TV show. Chuck Connors displayed his rifles at his home ranch in Tahachipi, Calif.

Chuck Connors was more than just a firearms enthusiast. All of the guns in his personal collection were very important to him. Connors proudly displayed them in his home and carried a .357 revolver on his person. When he passed away in November 1992, his estate was entrusted to Rose Marie Grumbley, his partner and former secretary. In June 1993, Grumbley consented to display the rifle that he used on the show to the Gene Autry Museum (as documented in a letter from the Gene Autry Museum, dated June 4, 1993). Upon examination of the “Certificate for Insurance,” for $30,000.00, issued by Henderson Phillips Fine Arts, states the following

"1. Rifle. Length: 37”. Winchester rifle used by Chuck Connors in the 'Rifleman.' 44-40 caliber with large loop lever. Imprinted on top of barrel 'Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven, Conn. USA.' Imprinted on stock above lever handle 'Model 1892 Winchester Pat. Oct. 14, 1884.' Serial number 138350."

The key here is the serial number. The rifle with the serial number “138350” was not used for the show, but it was presented to Chuck Connors prior to his death. Rose Marie erroneously loaned the wrong gun to the museum. Neither Winchester that Chuck owned before his demise was used in the famed TV series. With one rifle (offered here) hanging in a museum, Rose Marie continued to display the other gun in her home. When Rose Marie passed away, the rifle from the Connors home was sold to a private collector on the East Coast, and the one at the Autry Museum was taken off display and returned to the Grumbley family.

The history behind the rifle we offer here is as grand as the rifle itself. During his life, Chuck befriended gunsmith Maurice “Moe” Hunt. Hunt is a long-time fan of Connors', and the proprietor of North Fork Productions in California. ("North Fork" was the fictitious setting for the “Rifleman.”) Hunt has made a number of custom guns for Connors. The 1884 Winchester 44-40 (serial number 138350) was made by Hunt in his gun shop. When Hunt found the exact Winchester model, he modified it to the exact specifications as the rifles used in the show. When Hunt completed the modifications, he presented it to Connors as a gift from a fan and friend. Carved into the butt, beneath the butt plate, is a dedication etched into the wood that reads “Given to Chuck Connors by M. Hunt, Sept 91.” This was the last gun ever made for and owned by Connors.

Included with the sale of this vintage Winchester 44-40 are TRONG>1) photos of Connors holding the gun on his ranch shortly after receiving it, TRONG>2) all correspondence and the original loan agreement from the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum and the TRONG>3) Certificate of Insurance issued from Henderson Phillips Fine Arts and Allen Insurance Associates.

Note: Since this Winchester rifle is a firing weapon, we strongly advise that the gun be inspected by a bona fide gunsmith before loading and discharging.

Authentication: 100% Authentic/Steve Connors