“THE RIFLEMAN” CHUCK CONNOR’S WINCHESTER 1892 CARBINE WITH DOCUMENTATION
SOLD FOR: $41,650
“THE RIFLEMAN” CHUCK CONNOR’S WINCHESTER 1892 CARBINE WITH DOCUMENTATION
Make:Winchester
Model:1892 Saddle Ring Carbine
Serial Number:756277
Year of Manufacture:1914
Caliber:.44-40 Winchester Centerfire (WCF)
Action Type:Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed
Barrel Length:20”
Sights / Optics:The front sight is a brass blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight presenting a “V”-notch when down and with a “U”-notch slider on the ladder, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition:The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine-style buttplate. The stocks have some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a tiny loss at the top-front of the wrist on the left and a short crack at the right-rear of the forend. The LOP measures 12 3/4“ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear at the heel, toe and around the edges with some strong finish in the face. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish:Blue
Finish Originality:Original to the parts. The lever is a replacement large-loop with a screw installed in the trigger guard to automatically engage the trigger when the action is closed.
Bore Condition:The bore is gray. The rifling shows wear, but is generally well defined. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition:This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. There is fairly evenly scattered wear and light marks. Some worn areas have gone to a light patina. There is more defined wear on the left of the receiver around the saddle ring. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics:The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:Provenance and photographs are included indicating that this rifle comes from the Chuck Connors Productions and Estate, consigned from the personal collection of Rick Hacker, an original print of “Real Guns of Reel Heroes” from the National Firearms Museum depicting this rifle, a photo of Connors as “The Rifleman” which was displayed along with this rifle at the Museum, and a May, 1960 issue of Guns Magazine with an article on Chuck Connors.
Our Assessment:Coming from the Rick Hacker Collection, this rifle has provenance from the Chuck Connors Productions and Estate as well as other photographs to show that Winchester 1892 Carbine, serial number 756277 was owned personally by Chuck Connors. Best known for “The Rifleman” series that first aired in 1958 and wrapped production in 1963, Connors is also one of the very few athletes to play in both the MLB and the NBA, for the Dodgers and Celtics, respectively. The rifle was custom built for Connors by Canadian gunsmith Moe Hunt, one of a pair made to replicate the rifles used on set for “The Rifleman”. The lever has a set screw that is adjustable for the TV character’s signature rapid fire on the TV show and was removable for when the scene needed Connor’s character to fire a single shot using the trigger conventionally. Noted gun writer, NRA Field Editor and winner of the John T. Amber Literary Award Rick Hacker obtained this rifle from the Chuck Connors estate and it has since featured in a number of Mr. Hacker’s articles. This is a rifle that will capture the hearts of every kid that ever wanted to be Lucas McCain. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Western history!
