Secrets Of TV’s The Rifleman: More Than Just Guns And Good Times

The 13th Shot

During the show’s opening credits, McCain fires 12 shots from his rifle. Seven of the shots are featured in a close-up shot, and the other five are made as the camera changes positions. The rifle featured blank cartridges, which are shorter than standard cartridges, allowing the magazine to hold more blanks than standard ones. The soundtrack of the show contained a 13th, dubbed shot. This was done so the end of the firing would coincide with a particular section of theme music. McCain could reportedly fire off his first round in just three-tenths of a second, which gave him an advantage in a showdown.