The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 4 inch barrel and the name "Chuck Connors" engraved on the frame when shipped on March 4, 1976, and delivered to Devere Company, San Pedro, California. A letter from the executive assistant for the Chuck Connors estate confirms this revolver by serial number as the gun "carried by Chuck [Connors] as a personal sidearm in his car and… a special black leather basketweave holster [included with this lot] was attached to his car's interior for the carrying of this particular gun." A photocopy of Connors' 1979 Californian license to carry a concealed firearm bears this Model 66's serial number as the gun Connors was authorized to carry for self protection. Hollywood actor Chuck Connors (1921-1992) is best known for his portrayal of Lucas McCain, the lead character in the hit ABC western television show "The Rifleman" (1958-63). He later reprised his iconic role in the television western movie "The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw" (1991). Connors was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame in 1991. A World War II U. S. Army veteran, Connors Hollywood career lasted 40 years and included roles in "Geronimo," "Old Yeller," "Flipper," and "Roots." Prior to his Hollywood career, he was a professional athlete and is one of only of 12 American athletes to play both in Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association. He was one of the first modern day NBA players, being one of the original Boston Celtics. Notably Connors was the first professional basketball player to be credited with breaking a backboard when he shattered the improperly installed glass backboard with a 40-foot heave as warmups ended before the season opener was to start during the at Boston Arena on November 5, 1946. In professional baseball he played for the Brooklyn [later L. A.] Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. The revolver has "Chuck Connors" factory engraved on the side plate, serrated red ramp front sight, adjustable square notch rear sight and smooth S&W medallion target grips. Comes with Connors' black basketweave leather holster made by Tex Shoemaker & Sons and unnumbered Model 66 S&W box.

Excellent, with a light cylinder drag line and minimal handling and shooting evidence. The grips are very fine with some minor handling marks and retaining most of the original finish. Mechanically excellent. The holster is excellent showing minimal wear. The box is very fine showing some scattered wear. A well-documented Model 66 owned and factory inscribed to a beloved western actor and history making American athlete, Chuck Connors, perfect for your S&W collection.