Ep 17. The Retired Gun

The Rifleman season 1 episode 17, titled "The Retired Gun," tells the story of a retired gunfighter who seeks refuge in North Fork from his troubling past. The episode starts with Lucas and Mark riding into town to pick up some supplies when they encounter an old friend of Lucas's, John August, who is also known as the "Retired Gun." August explains that he is simply passing through North Fork to visit an old friend, but it's soon revealed that he's actually on the run from a gang of outlaws who are seeking revenge on him.

Lucas, who knows August's reputation as a deadly gunfighter, is initially reluctant to get involved, but when he learns that the outlaw gang has already arrived in town, he realizes that he has no choice but to help John. As the two men begin to plan their defense, Lucas discovers that John is suffering from a mysterious illness that is gradually sapping his strength. Despite his weakened state, John remains determined to make a stand against the outlaws.

Meanwhile, Mark finds himself developing a relationship with Sally Downey, the daughter of the local saloon owner. Sally is initially wary of Mark, who has a reputation as a troublemaker, but she soon comes to realize that he is a kind-hearted and brave boy. As the tension in town grows, Sally becomes increasingly concerned about the safety of herself and her family, and she turns to Mark for comfort and support.

The episode reaches its climax as Lucas, John, Mark, and a group of local townspeople make a stand against the outlaws. Despite John's illness, he proves to be a skilled and deadly gunfighter, taking out several of the gang members before collapsing from exhaustion. In the end, Lucas and the others are able to defeat the outlaws and bring peace back to North Fork.

"The Retired Gun" is a tense and action-packed episode that showcases the talents of Chuck Connors, who plays Lucas, and guest star Claude Akins, who gives a memorable performance as John August. The episode also features strong supporting performances from the rest of the cast, particularly young Johnny Crawford, who plays Mark. Overall, this is a great episode of a classic Western show that's sure to entertain fans of the genre.