The Rifleman

[Devdev08]

I started watching reruns recently of the famous Rifleman and I fell in love his gun. I started doing research and found out its a 1892 winchester in 44-40. But the problem is I couldn't find one with the jig used to pull the trigger.And I don't have the means to do it myself. But I finaly found someone selling replicas for $2,000. I think I might have to save up for one. Anyone else know anywhere to get one like it? Or love the show?

Rifleman's Rifle

 

[Quentin2]

I believe it's an 1892 model. I'm a Marlinman myself.

But I do like the show.

 

[Devdev08]

Your right that was a typo sorry bout that.

 

[BarryLee]

For some reason when I was a kid the guy kind of scared me, but the rifle is cool.

FYI – Your link doesn’t work I think you have “http://” in there twice.

 

[9mmfan]

If you're handy you could just buy an extra large loop lever, drill and tap it and install a set screw. Maybe some kind of rubber nubbin to protect the trigger from getting banged up by the screw. It could be done for a lot less than 2K.

I'm not sure I'd be able to pull it off myself, as I'm only kind of handy, but it is an option.

Edited to add:

And I don't have the means to do it myself.

Sorry, just glossed over that part. Maybe a gunsmith could modify the extra lever?

 

[Devdev08]

I don't have any gunsmiths around my area otherwise I would see what they could do for me.

 

[Buzzcook]

I wouldn't recommend adding the bolt to make the gun fire on cocking. I'd bet it's a guarantee for messing up the trigger.

Rossi and Marlin both have had large loop lever actions.

This guy will convert a standard lever to a loop.
http://www.mulemangunworks.com/mule-loops-custom-levers/

Perhaps he could also drill and thread the lever for the bolt used to work the trigger on closing.

 

[SIGSHR]

I'd recommend getting an extra trigger, use that with the large loop. And be careful when you spin it, remember Chuck Connors stood about 6'5" with arms to match. I read an article recently where the author-about 5"8"-said when spun The Rifle he kept hitting himself in the nose.

 

[reinert]

Get on youtube and watch Mike DiMuzio. Real deal "rifleman" using the '92 44-40.

reinert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNqPB3LVmcI&feature=related

 

[Chris_B]

My understanding is that the trigger doesn't have "two modes" in this configuration: it fires when the lever is cocked, period. I think that makes it a novelty that will wear off quickly. As a Rifleman fan, I'd just want the '92 saddle ring carbine because I'd view the revised trigger as a nuisance and possibly a liability

 

[Devdev08]

Assuming the guy makes them a exact replica of the one in the Show the jig used to pull the trigger when the lever is closed is supposed to be removable.

As for height and swinging the gun I might try it a few times but I'm no rifleman and don't want to drop a gun I spent $2,000 on.

 

[Mobuck]

"For some reason when I was a kid the guy kind of scared me,"
Good thing you didn't watch the series where Chuck played a werewolf.

 

[Hawg]

My understanding is that the trigger doesn't have "two modes" in this configuration: it fires when the lever is cocked, period.

Nope, it has a screw through the trigger guard.

 

[DPris]

The set screw is turned in to activate the trigger or backed out to clear the trigger.

When turned in, EVERYTIME you close the action the hammer will drop.
ANYTIME the action's closed, the hammer can't be cocked.
You don't fire a few shots with the lever activating the trigger & then immediately revert to normal finger-operated shooting.

To resume normal function, you have to back the screw out.
There's no practicality to it whatever, and in filming various scenes the screw would be turned in or out prior to the action required in that scene.
It wasn't screwed in & left that way.


In real life you'd be changing it one way or the other.
Denis

 

[vba]

One of my favorite TV shows ever. I saw one of the actual rifles on display at the National Firearms Museum outside D.C. last summer. I believe there was two rifles used on the show.

 

[coldbeer]

I always loved the opening sequence when he unloads 12 rounds really fast then pulls bullets out of his pocket and starts reloading while staring at the camera. You'll never see another TV show where a rifle is a main character. Could you imagine the heat the networks would take from the msm if they brought the show back.

I bet you guys didn't know Chuck Connors was the first NBA player to shatter a backboard.

 

[salvadore]

I faintly remember having one as a kid, went well with my fanner fifty.

 

[Chris_B]

Nope, it has a screw through the trigger guard.

Understood, but as mentioned, it's either one way or the other, it's not "on demand", which is probably a better way to express what I posted before

 

[DPris]

That's what I was trying to convey.

It's an either/or, and you have to turn that screw in or out to change firing methods.
It's not quick.

And with the screw turned in you don't revert to a finger-operated trigger halfway through a mag, without screwing it back out of engagement.

When they wanted to show Connors firing with via the lever, the camera was stopped, the screw was engaged, and they rolled film.
When they wanted him to fire a single aimed round via the trigger, it was stop camera, back out the screw, roll film.

Not practical in the real world, but still a cool Hollywood gun.
Denis

 

[SIGSHR]

It's Hollyweird. Not really that practical, like the Mare's Leg or the Buntline Special, but looked cool and probably sold a lot of tie-in merchandise.