After the American Civil War gunman California wants to renew his life. He changes his name to Michael Random and seeks a home where he can live in peace. In the war's aftermath he gets to know young Willy Preston. En route to Preston's family, Willy is killed by a gang of criminals under the helm of Robert Whittaker. California informs Willy's kin and falls in love with Willy's sister, Helen. One day they witness Whittaker and his gang robbing a bank; Helen is taken hostage. California is faced with the decision to resort to the merciless shootist he was during the war although it will not spare Helen the gruesome experience of being game to ruthless desperados.