Rifleman_Stories1-short stories

The Rifleman Stories
*The stories at the top are the oldest and the ones on the bottom are the newest.

My name is Sylvester Hendricks. I'm 59 years old, and I am a big fan of "The Rifleman" series, since its original run 1958 thru1963. I've listened to the shows over and over again, never tiring of them, since childhood. Thank you for your website.
I am totally blind, and even though I cannot see your pictures on this webpage,
I appreciate all your word pictures in episode descriptions and stories. Because of the miracle of engineering for the blind, I can read your words on your webpage, because of software, that reproduces all that you write, in either speech or Braille for me. Thanks again for this website. I consider this a gift to me from you.

I remember when I was in Portland and met Chuck, he had an agent named Mr. Stephens, they were both very nice to me.
When I visited with Chuck Connors in the mid 80's, he gave me, a children's rifleman board game. I cherished it, like you wouldn't believe, but alas it was stolen from me.

In the mid1980's, I lived in Portland, Oregon. I was doing talk radio, and as mentioned, I've always loved TV westerns. Although I'm blind, I love those shows. One of my radio sponsors, at the time thru a special nostalgia weekend with Chuck Connors Connors in attendance. It was one of the most thrilling times in my life.
Mr. Connors was such fun to be with. I remember, I was so excited, when
I walked up to him, and hugged him, I remembered stammering, "good to
meet you Lucas" without even stopping, Chuck hugged me, and let me
talk to him off and on all weekend long. I'll never forget that time. I still love listening to the shows, and as I mentioned to you, with the aid of special software, I can read your webpage; which is very exciting to know that persons still love the series, "The Rifleman."

I was lucky to meet Chuck Connors once, when I was 8 years old, in 1962.
I was going for my regular doctor's check up in Beverly Hills, with my parents.
We entered the building's elevator, and standing so tall was "The Rifleman himself - Chuck Connors. I stared with wide eyed amazement at my hero, I was able to shyly say "hello" and with kindness Chuck shook my hand and said "he was pleased to meet me" It was just a couple of minutes, but something I'll never forget. "Ken in Los Angeles"

On a 1989 interview Chuck had with TV sportscaster, Bob Costas, Chuck mentioned there were 2 rifles, plus one boot rifle, to take the wear & tear off of the other rifles.
Bob Costas asked Chuck whatever became of the rifles he used while filming his weekly western series. "I gave one of the two rifles we used on the show to Arnold Palmer," said Chuck, "and it hangs over his fireplace in Latrobe. And the other one, along with approximately eighty weapons that I gathered over the years, I sold to former Secretary of the Treasury, Bill Simon. There were two matching rifles that we used in the show, so those two guns are reposed in those two particular places." In a December 1994 letter to David Fury. Arnold Palmer relayed a message through his administrative assistant, Doc Griffin, that the rifle was indeed a gift from Chuck, and was on display in his game-family room in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
"Today Arnold Palmer's rifle is at The World Golf Hall of Fame."

Chuck was also given an authentic replica of his rifle in 1982 by two ardent fans of
"The Rifleman," Lewis Maciocia and Maurice Hunt; that particular rifle is now on display at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum in Hollywood.

This info was taken from a Bob Costas interview & Chuck's book—"Chuck Connors.....The Man Behind the Rifle....." by David Fury.

I was so happy to have accidentally discovered, ' The Rifleman Story Pages'.
The age here is 56 and I grew up loving the series. I'm so happy that it is now a daily commercial free feature on the Western Channel. My 14 year old son now loves the series and we watch two episodes without fail every night. Believe me when I tell you that everyone on the series is by now like a member of the family. What I especially like about it now as a parent are the value lessons that are conveyed in each episode. This is a concept that is either forgotten, missing, or seemingly dispelled in current day TV shows.
Incidentally, I grew up in the Greater Rochester, NY area. There are a few restaurant establishments that have pictures of Chuck Connors and the Rochester Royals basketball team which he played for way back when. I'll always take a minute to look at it again. I also remember my father telling me about Chuck when he played short-stop or first base either for or against The Rochester Red Wings Baseball team. From all reports, he stood up for his rights, that is, no one gave him a bad call and got away with it. Just like in the show, and art being an imitation of life. What an athlete and extra ordinary person he was. He is certainly one of my all time favorites.
Thank you for tributes to the Rifleman series and we will look forward to reading the Rifleman Stories Pages.

Ray Dreimiller Sr.
Ray Dreimiller Jr.

Hi, my name is Kaye.....I loved Johnny Crawford so much when I was about 12. Every time The Rifleman came on (every night at 6:00) no one else could be in the room. I'd close all the blinds and sit on the floor right in front of our black & white TV. I even had to brush all my bangs out of my face just so I could see him better. We had a finished cemented basement and that was my 'skating rink'. I'd put on his song 'Something Special' and would put Johnny's picture up on top of my mother's washing machine where I'd skate around to him, while singing, as if I was performing for him. I'd go round and round. Up in my room I had so many pictures of Johnny (hundreds) and they were all on my wall . I always thought my Mom and Dad were pretty cool to let me do that. Here is a letter I received from Johnny's Dad back in 1966. I had written his Mom. I thought I'd have a better chance of her writing me back than I would with Johnny. I was surprised his Dad wrote back and actually sent me a family picture. I have had this letter in my cedar chest since then. Kaye

I live near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and I had the privilege of seeing Chuck Connors in person at a rodeo event at the Williams Grove Park/Speedway.

To my best recollection, this would have been 1961 or 1962.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get everything out of Chuck’s appearance that I should have, because I spent most of the time holding my ears and crying because I was afraid of ‘‘the rifle.’’ (For a long time as a child, the show’s opening sequence scared me.)

We have home movies of Chuck and he really could ride a horse very well. The movies are in color and it shows that Chuck wore a blue shirt. I wonder if that was the color of most of his shirts on the series?

I look back now and this was quite an honor. Harrisburg isn’t a big, big city and I wonder if any star from a popular ABC series would come here now?

Duane

PS. Almost 50 years later, that opening sequence still packs a punch.

PPS. A few years back I had a chance to meet and chat with another TV star of the early 60s – Dwayne Hickman (Dobie Gillis), now making his living as an artist.

This gentleman that I bought a picture from, spent a weekend with Chuck on a show tour of sorts and now deals in paper collectibles. He had some interesting stories about him; that Chuck told him. One was when some sports writers were ribbing Chuck about his low number of home runs; Chuck looked at them all in good nature and said, "well, how many home runs do you have?" Great comeback!
All the best—Ray

In doing some family genealogy, I found this bit of information about my father, I think you may find it amusing.

Pvt Roy I Hume 16073351 has satisfactorily completed the Thirteen Weeks Schedule of Training September 7, 1942 to December 6, 1942. His special training has been as a Rifleman. I guess I was destined to be a fan.
My dad was a big fan of "The Rifleman" and every other western, I wonder if his training gave him a special liking for the show.

I had been checking the genealogy because I noticed that a writer was Cyril Hume and I wanted to find out if he was related. He is but a 5th cousins, 8 times removed. I guess that still makes me part of the show, if you really stretch.—Donna

Did you know I learned how to do some spelling by watching the episode "The Tin Horn"?

In the 'Tin Horn' episode #134—Mark was workin' on his homework. He was having trouble with I E - E I words. Lucas told Mark there was a rule to follow. "I before E except after C and when sounding like A is in neighbor and weigh."—Donna

Yes indeed, that is how I kept those "A's" on my spelling tests.
Good one Donna! We all could learn from that episode, even the kids of today.

A co-worker and myself were taking about the TV series Branded. I checked Google to see if it is available on DVD, which I thought it would be. Nonetheless, one link led to another and I just wanted to tell you about a Christmas present I received that happened sometime in the late fifties, which is directly linked to your Dad's TV show the Rifleman..."Several days before Christmas I happened to look deep in a closet and found the famous "Rifle". I can remember that incident like it was yesterday and was
so excited knowing I was getting it. Can't quite remember how my parents handled the situation. Being born in 1950, I was perhaps only 8 or 9 on that Christmas. With all my childhood Christmas's, that was by far my most memorable and cherished toy. Only
wish I still had it today... Naturally, I was a huge fan of the show and truly admired your Dad.—Larry L.

Hi! I found your website & even tho it is 2007, I sure hope you have a picture left for me! When I was a little girl, my mother wrote a fan letter to Johnny Crawford for me & I do have to agree that he is THE sweetest person ever! It was 1965 when 'I' wrote him & he wrote back! He sent the usual photo & a letter that he sends to everyone but, what is so special is that he wrote a short note to me on the back of the form letter! That is something I will always cherish for eternity!
I just recently subscribed to satellite television & found The Rifleman & now my husband is a fan! My 28 year old daughter is also a fan! I think it is so cool that there are others that STILL enjoy The Rifleman & Johnny Crawford, along with a whole new generation who have found them! —Cindy D.

Hi everybody.....I have this really neat Rifleman statue that was a Christmas present from Tom. It is a statue that was presented to Rosemary Grumley. Chuck's secretary & companion for thirty years. She & Chuck's four sons are the only ones who was presented with these statues. I am luck to have Rosemary's. The ring on my rifle is still intact. According to Jeff, mine is the only one. I am worried about the ring, it is so delicate and I'm afraid it will break off. The rifle was bent quite a bit when I got it, through shipping and also the ring.

(8/23/07) I stopped by the jewelers the other day with a picture of my statue. I did not want to transport it if he wouldn't even consider looking at it. When I walked in a young girl approached me and asked me if she could help me. I told her I had a ring that needed fixed, but it wasn't a ring you could wear. She laughed and said....."ok?"

I then showed her my picture. She called over her grandfather to take a look. He remembered The Rifleman right aways. He said he named his one son after Mark. Anyway, he said if I brought my statue in he would take a look at it and see what he could do. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! ; ) —Cowgirl

(8/25/08) I took my statue in to the jewelers. The original owner who I had talked to that Thursday was not in. The girl said he only worked Tuesday & Thursday. I told her that was fine, no hurry. She said she was sure he would look at this right away. (Can't help but wonder what was said after I left) The way she said it I took that he was anxious to see this statue & to see if he could fix the ring on the statue.

Not too long after I posted the above message, the jewelers called and the girl said that "My Little Man" was done.
So apparently the jeweler was anxious to work on "My Little Man"

(8/31/07) I stopped by the jewelers Friday to pick up "My Little Man" (my rifleman statue). Dave, the own of the Jewelry Store wasn't there when I went in to pick up my statue. A young man approached me and asked if he could help me. I told him that I had come to pick up my statue. He told me when he first the statue he asked Dave why anyone would want to get this fix. He had no idea about this statue. Dave, told him that it was not just a statue, that it was valuable. Dave proceeded to tell him the story of "The Rifleman" and how he named his son after Mark. Cowgirl

I'm not sure how many of you remember Sylvester Hendricks. (See the first story at the top of this page) I thought you would enjoy this story from a true Rifleman fan. Sylvester wrote me August the 12, 2007.....
I understand that you and Jeff Connors will be at a radio station next week doing an appearance in (Crewe) Virginia. I cannot make it. but, I figured I will get my chance in meeting both of you at the festival in #2008. but my immediate question to you is this. is Jeff going to do a talk show at the local radio station there in (Crewe)? if so, again what are the call letters of the local station, and if he does do talk with that appearance, can you tell me the exact time of the broadcast, so that I can call in to the show.

I wrote back to Sylvester and told him that Jeff & I would be there but was not sure about the question he was asking about being able to call into the radio station. I told him I would check into get back to him.

RiflemanRay called the radio station for me & checked with them about Sylvester being able to call in. They agreed to him calling him and speaking to Jeff on the radio/phone.

I didn't get to hear Jeff's & Sylvester conversation the day of the broadcast, I was busy talking to all the great fans that showed up. But when I got home I had this e-mail from Sylvester.....Christmas in August!!!!!!!

Thanks to you.....was a wonderful day. the reason why your gesture was so significant to me, was because, since I last emailed you, a very significant person in my life passed away august #11th of heart failure. Harry Shriver, (my father figure) since I was a small boy. we were very close. I met him when i attended the Maryland school for the blind when I was #11 years old.

At any rate, this special gift from you (Margie) was a blessing, and an enormous uplift to my spirits. Jeff, was very gracious to me, and I was very warmly received by him thru the phone call. I'm excited to know that Jeff is writing a screen play, which hopefully will go into a movie called of course, (The Rifleman).

Margie thank you for arranging this and please thank, the rest of the gang for your extraordinary kindness. Margie, we'll staying touch thru the newsletter. but I cannot wait to meet you. Be safe coming home. and respond to this message if you have a second.

Again thanks to you, and Steve and Jeff for speaking to me the way he did.

Please also give thanks to (rifleman)/ray, too!!!!! god bless you all.—Sylvester

I grew up with Chuck Connors and even got to shake hands with Johnny Crawford at a special church benefit. Didn't wash my hands for about three days. Then it was that or let my Mom wash them for me.
Had a crush on both when I was a kid.—JD

There is story Jeff Connors talks about when he was a boy, how one Sunday morning Chuck decided to go out and shoot/practice his rifle. After firing his rifle, it wasn't too long before several police cars were at his house. Someone had report all the shooting that was going on. He told them who he was and what he was doing. They were pleased to meet "The Rifleman." Chuck then gave them pictures of himself and they asked for his autograph.
They also said, "Let us know before hand the next time your gonna practice. ; )

When I was 13 years old I lived in Ashville, North Carolina. Me and my friends loved to watch The Rifleman. We heard that Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford were coming to Ashville to raise money for the March Of Dimes. We were so excited about meeting The Rifleman in person that we went door to door to collect money so we could meet The Rifleman, Chuck Connors. We filled up about ten mason jars with change. When Chuck Connors found out what we did, he said that he was very proud of us. It was so cool that we got to meet in person, The Rifleman. We gave him over $600.00 dollars. He shook all of our hands and he was so grateful for what we had done. I would love to find out if Johnny Crawford remembers this event. I think that Johnny was about 3 years older than me. He was also very nice to all of us. I still watch The Rifleman every chance I get on the Western Encore Channel. Every time I watch Lucas I always think back to that day in my childhood when I met The Rifleman himself, Chuck Connors.

Thanks Margie,

Charlie Thomas

Sandston, Va.

p.s. I love your website riflemanconnors.com

How neat - I watched the Rifleman as a little girl and used to act it out with my Mom, insisting that she call me Mark and I called her Paw.—anonymous

When I was a little girl I use to act a lot of the westerns out. Mostly just Cowboy & Indians. I remember mostly doing Bat Masterson, I had a stick (cane) and derby hat, along with his vest.
I also did Zorro. I had the mask & hat, probably a stick or maybe a plastic sword, I don't remember. Do you remember play acting westerns as a kid? —

I used to watch with my Dad, back in the good ol days when homes had one TV in the family room and it was watched as a family. My Mom says that the first pair of shoes that I actually picked out for myself were cowboy boots which she says I wore with everything until they pinched my feet so much that I just couldn't fit into them anymore. Also, you'll get a kick out of this one, on one of my birthday cakes they waited until my Mom came into the bakery to add my name because they thought it was a mistake for the name "Lisa" to be on a cowboy birthday cake. Lisa

My name is Justus Knight (real name). I am a retired, Los Angeles area
police officer. I grew up, absolutely infatuated, with the rifleman series. My
mom and dad purchased a replica rifle for me when I was a little boy. I ran with
the rifle in my arms so as to hold it in my hands at the opening scene of
the show. Unfortunately, as I ran through the door, I was holding the rifle
horizontally and it broke in half. I cried for days (seemingly). I vowed to buy
another rifle when I grew up. I bought a Winchester, 30-30 about 25 years
ago and located a replica ring. I took the rifle to a gunsmith in Culver City,
Ca. who "claims", to have been the original guy that put together the
rifleman rifle (how strange is that).

Dear Margie, Howdy ya'll from a very cold Boston....around 5 degrees to be exact...We just watched Rifleman, two good episodes too...one was with Buddy
Hackett....I wrote to Buddy ...it musta been at least four or five years
ago....and I told him how I liked him and I commented how he played such a
good rat on The Rifleman...he did write me back and said he had a lot of fun
doing that part...and that he had kept in touch with Chuck Connors. Eddie

I used to sit and watch this series with my Grandfather in Spokane Washington (our ranch) back when I was a little boy.

I remember the series was tagged as violent back then, look how far we have come!

I remember the life lessons that Lucas and Mark passed down. What a great pair of actors.

I have begun to revisit the series on the western channel. I am so glad there are so many to experience. There were a lot of big named actors that got spots on the series, I never realized.

Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Ken

I recently visited the ranch and have to say I am impressed by the detail and time you have dedicated to the site. My wife, Cathy, and I are big fans of the series and of course Chuck and Johnny. The series delivers morals and just good clean TV that is sadly missed in today's society. If today's writers and producers would develop by these examples, our generations to come would truly benefit just as we have from seeing The Rifleman today. But, hopefully, North Fork will remain a part of generations to come and as long as folks like you are around I am sure it is possible. Earl

This is an e-mail that was sent to Jeff.....Hi, I am 13 years old and a huge fan of the series "The Rifleman." I just seen some pictures of you when you were younger on the set of The Rifleman. That's so cool that you got to work with your dad on the set!

He went on to tell Jeff some things. I answered his e-mail & told him Jeff would be getting with him & I asked him how he got into watching The Rifleman.....
Hi Cowgirl,
I am so excited to receive the email from you!!!

I got into watching "The Rifleman" because, my grandpa watches it. He said Matthew, you have to watch this show that I used to watch when I was your age. Its called "The Rifleman." He said your not going to believe how much you look like the boy Mark on the show. So, I turned it on and have been a huge fan ever since! The funny thing is now everyone in the family runs to the TV at Rifleman time.

I can't wait to talk to my grandpa today to tell him the good news!
13 year old Rifleman fan posted 7/25/08 More on Matthew

Update 2/19/08 Hi Cowgirl, Guess what!! My mom surprised me today. She got me from amazon The man behind the Rifle and the other book The rifleman!!
Thanks for letting me know about those books!! Matthew
p.s. I was reading your news letter and I am sorry some people do bad things to nice people like you.

'Bloodlines' Episode 42—I got this e-mail from a friend/fan.....I wrote to Buddy Hackett...it musta been at least four or five years ago....and I told him how I liked him and I commented how he played such a good rat on The Rifleman...he did write me back and said he had a lot of fun doing that part...and that he had kept in touch with Chuck Connors. Eddie posted 2/26/08

I enjoyed Matthew's story, too. Not too long ago, two of my grandson's (ages 4 and 6) came over just as The Rifleman was starting on TV and I was worried that I would have to miss the show that night. But, to my surprise, they sat on the coffee table glued to the TV, just as we did when we were kids - only we sat on the couch! Unfortunately, mom and dad don't watch the program at home, so they are not yet dedicated fans. I will work on that! Jan posted 2/26/08

I think your site is fantastic!

I'm a lifelong Rifelman fan ( I think Mark's about a year older than me, but).... dad used to let me stay up "late" to watch.

Always felt that Chuck/Lucas was my surrogate/fantasy dad..

Anyway, I met Steve a number of years ago... went to his place for a beer (or two. or) he had his dad's original Winchester....

I'm 6'4 3/4.. so couldn't quit pull off the famous Lucas swing & cock (if you know what I mean?)

What a great show, I watch it everyday on Western channel... (call it the Church of Chuck) I can't think of any other show that promotes right living the way it did.

Anyway, thanks for the site. God Bless for what you do. Your amigo, Greg posted 2/27/08

Hi from outside of Boston, I have been a fan of the rifleman since it first came out, I liked it for the action then, but now the father/son relationship comes into play, I sometimes watch it with my 14 year old grandson when he's over the house and I think I have made a convert out of him, one of the first records I ever bought was Today Is Cindy's Birthday, because I liked a girl named Cynthia. lol But I think Johnny's best song was Living In The Past. This is an awesome site, keep up the good work. Skelley posted 4/4/08

I think your site is fantastic! I'm a lifelong Rifleman fan (I think Mark's about a year older than me, but).... dad used to let me stay up "late" to watch. Always felt that Chuck/Lucas was my surrogate/fantasy dad.
Anyway, I met Steve a number of years ago... went to his place for a beer (or two. or?) he had his dad's original Winchester.... I'm 6'4 3/4. So couldn't quite pull off the famous Lucas swing & cock (if you know what I mean)
Anyway, thanks for the site... I’d like to be able to log on & read other fan's tales....
What a great show, I watch it everyday on Western channel... (call it the Church of Chuck) I can't think of any other show that promotes right living the way it did.
God Bless for what you do. smokinlizard posted 4/4/08

This was in one of the writing segment in the messageboard of the ranch.....
Give a Backstory to a Character on The Rifleman

A poem by Kira—My whole life
My whole life is every small laughing of you.
Every time if you look at me.
Every time if you embrace me.
Every time when you say "I love you".
My whole life is every breath you take.
Every minute which you are with me.
My whole life is ... you ...my son.

This poem was brought to my attention by another board member.
What a touching poem. posted 4/4/08

Hello “Cowgirl”,

Words would fail me if I tried to describe what a wonderful, nostalgic, and warmly respectful, tribute site to the “Rifleman” TV series you have created! I am a BIG fan of the show but at the time it was running I was drawn to other western series more often. The Rifleman series I think is something an adult can appreciate more than a boy, who was the same age as “Mark” at the time. And I am much better able to appreciate the subtle yet profound wisdom, and warm interpersonal reactions displayed by the cast. I look forward to every days episode on the Western Channel, and sit glued to my seat between five and six o’clock when it shows where I live (Wyoming).

As a “Baby Boomer” I feel privileged to have grown up in an era where such clean wholesome TV entertainment, like the Rifleman TV series, was almost commonplace. Good guys were good guys and the bad guys were bad and acted like it. I miss those days and, for a short time, five days a week, I am able to once again go back to those wonderful days. Dare I say it? Those days of “yesteryear”!

The cowboy heroes of those days forever changed me personally also. From earliest childhood my photos reveal cowboy hats, boots, guns, and riding split rail fences for want of a horse. As an adult I have owned and ridden horses for many years and rode them whenever I could as a child. After retirement in 2002 I left one small ranch in California for a bigger one in Wyoming near a small town called Wheatland. So for me life has been more or less a straight line of continuity. Cowboys were my heroes as a child, teenager, young adult, and now as a “mature” adult they are still my heroes. And the Rifleman TV series represents all the very best of all those days gone by.

Thank you very much “Cowgirl”, for all your efforts involved in creating, developing, maintaining, and improving this wonderful trip back in time web site! It seems that truly there is a “time for every season” in life. And a couple of years ago I rediscovered “The Rifleman” and quite frankly haven’t been the same since!

JR
Wheatland, Wyoming-------Rancher

If you have a story you would like to share or some information about
"The Rifleman" please send me an e-mail