Ep 18. Sporting Chance

Lucas McCain is a widower and father to a young son, Mark. He is a legendary sharp shooter with a fast-draw reputation and holds tremendous respect in the western town of North Fork. In this episode titled "Sporting Chance," Lucas finds himself in a predicament when a notorious hunter, Judd Barnes, comes to town.

Judd Barnes is a big game hunter who is famous for his ability to hunt and kill wild game, including bears and buffalo. He comes to town with his two companions to take part in a local hunting competition. Lucas, a proficient hunter himself, almost immediately has a run-in with Barnes after his horse accidentally collides with Barnes' wagon. Barnes is not pleased and starts to belittle Lucas by claiming that he is a better marksman and hunter than Lucas ever was.

Lucas, who is not one to be easily intimidated, tries to brush off Barnes' taunts but soon finds himself in a situation where he has to prove himself. Barnes challenges Lucas to a shooting competition, with the winner to take home a prized shotgun. Lucas agrees, eager to show the town that he is still the best marksman around.

The competition is a difficult one. Barnes sets up a course that includes shooting targets in different positions and distances, all while riding a horse. Lucas, who has never practiced shooting while mounted, struggles to keep up. Barnes, on the other hand, is confident and precise, easily hitting every target. Despite his best efforts, Lucas falls behind and ultimately loses the competition.

Feeling embarrassed and defeated, Lucas decides to hang up his rifle permanently, believing that he has lost his touch. His friend, Micah, the town's sheriff, tries to convince Lucas otherwise, but Lucas is adamant that he is done with shooting. However, things take a turn when Barnes, who has been bragging about his hunting prowess, soon finds himself hunted by a large grizzly bear.

Barnes is ill-prepared for such a situation. He has never faced a bear before and panics when he is attacked. Lucas, who has been tracking the bear, comes upon Barnes and his companions and quickly realizes that Barnes is in trouble. He helps Barnes fend off the bear and is able to kill it before it can do any more harm.

Barnes, grateful for Lucas' help, admits that he was wrong about him. He realizes that Lucas is not only a skilled marksman but also a capable hunter and outdoorsman. Lucas is happy to have proved his worth but decides that he will not go back to his old ways. Instead, he hands over his rifle to Micah, indicating that he is done with hunting and shooting for good.

This episode explores themes of pride, self-doubt, and redemption. It shows how one person's words and actions can affect another person's self-esteem and confidence, and how it takes an event or experience to bring about a change of heart. The Rifleman was a popular western series that aired between 1958 and 1963, and it continues to be a fan-favorite due to its strong characters, compelling stories, and excellent performances. Season 4 episode 18 titled "Sporting Chance," is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and timeless appeal.