When traveling con man Latigo Smith (James Garner) drifts into a small Western town, he decides to take advantage of a local rivalry between gold-mining factions. Recruiting the shifty Jug May (Jack Elam) to pose as a notorious gunfighter, Smith sets his scheme in motion, while also taking time to romance the lovely Patience Barton (Suzanne Pleshette). However, after his ruse is uncovered, Smith incurs the wrath of the real hired gun, among others, leading to a big shoot-out.