Auction information for the rifle picture I posted:
CHUCK CONNORS HERO “LUCAS MCCAIN” MODIFIED 44-40 WINCHESTER RIFLE FROM THE RIFLEMAN. - (ABC,-TV 1958-1963) The Rifleman states that “Lucas McCain” (Chuck Connors) can fire a round with his specially modified Winchester rifle in three-tenths of a second! This is a beautiful, screen-used custom modified 44-40 Winchester model 1892, saddle ring carbine (serial number 497689) manufactured in 1909. It features the iconic oversized action lever featuring an ingenious setscrew, which would depress the trigger when the action is closed, enabling Connors’ trademark rapid-fire shooting style. This iconic rifle comes with a letter of authenticity from Chuck Connors’ son Jeff Connors stating (in part): “The gun was originally owned by my father, actor Chuck Connors, star of The Rifleman (1958-1963). In July 1979 while I was recuperating from a gunshot wound at my father’s ranch in Bear Valley Springs in Tehachapi, California, he presented me with this rifle and told me, ‘Son, it’s one of the Winchesters I used in The Rifleman.’ Of the five modified rifles used on the show, one was an El Tigre made in Spain, which was given to Sammy Davis, Jr., who appeared on the show twice. The remaining four rifles were Winchesters. One was given to renowned golfer Arnold Palmer and another was sold at auction in San Francisco in 1999.” The rifle is also accompanied with a letter signed by Arthur Gardner of Levy-Gardner-Laven Productions who produced The Rifleman, attesting that this gun was one of the originals used in the series. The breech block has been reblued yet the rifle has overall wear and the rear stock exhibits an old repair where Connors spin-cocked the rifle and dropped it, splitting the wood. Overall in Very Good operational condition with proper quick-fire action. One of the most iconic weapons from a Hollywood Western any collector could hope to obtain. Shipping arrangements via federal firearms licensed dealer will apply.
STARTING BID
$40,000.00
