Heaven with a Gun

Jim Killian arrives in Vinegaroon and buys a vacant barn, signaling his plan to intervene in the town's violent divide. The cattlemen and the sheepherders harass each other, hinting at a looming conflict.

Both sides quickly learn Killian is a capable gunfighter and propose hiring him as a protector. Instead, Killian invites everyone to a town meeting to discuss the conflict and lay out his plan for peace.

At the town meeting, Killian reveals he has become a preacher and has converted his barn into a church. He vows to protect all residents and warns that no one else may kill except him, then shoots two of Beck's cowhands who draw on him to prove his point.

The following Sunday, the entire town attends Killian's church service. He demonstrates that cattle and sheep can share water and land without conflict and argues that people of all kinds can live together in harmony.

Beck hires an outsider named Mace, who publicly exposes Killian as a former criminal associate and convicted murderer after the service. The revelation prompts calls for Killian's expulsion, while others defend his second chance.

Some townspeople stand up for Killian, arguing he has paid his debt to society. Bart Paterson and Abraham Murdock decide to follow Killian's advice and seek peace between cattlemen and sheepherders.

Killian takes under his protection a half-Native American girl named Leloopa who had been targeted by Beck's son Coke. Coke corners Leloopa in the stables and rapes her; Killian discovers the assault and beats Coke in full view of the town.

As a show of force, Beck gathers his cattle and moves toward the contested watering hole to block the sheepherders from accessing water. Tensions escalate toward outright confrontation as both sides prepare for a clash.

During the night, Scotty Andrews sneaks into Beck's camp and fatally stabs Coke with wool shears, only to be gunned down by Mace in retaliation.

Beck proclaims war against Vinegaroon and orders Mace to burn Killian's church and kill the preacher, while preparing to ambush the sheepherders who move their herds to the watering hole.

Mace holds Killian at gunpoint in the saloon while cowhands set fire to the church. Killian outguns Mace and chases away the attackers.

The townspeople rush to douse the burning church, but their efforts come too late and the building burns down. The loss marks a turning point in Killian's approach to violence and leadership.

Madge McCloud confronts Killian, urging him to choose a single path. He discards his guns amid the ashes and agrees to protect the sheepherders without resorting to violence.

Unarmed townspeople ride to the watering hole to shield the sheepherders from Beck's men. They form a barrier that halts Beck's advance and convinces the cowhands to stand down.

Beck yields and shares a drink with Madge, signaling a tentative peace. Killian and Leloopa watch as cattlemen and sheepherders mingle and shake hands, showing harmony returning to Vinegaroon.