Lin McAdam and his friend High Spade arrive in Dodge City for a shooting contest on the Fourth of July. The prize for the contest is a rare and valuable Winchester rifle, model '73. Despite the heated competition, Lin wins the contest, but before he can claim his prize, the rifle is stolen by Dutch Henry Brown, Lin's longtime adversary and outlaw. Driven by a personal vendetta against Dutch Henry, Lin embarks on a relentless pursuit across the American frontier in order to reclaim the rifle and settle his score. Along the way, Lin encounters an array of characters, each intertwined with the rifle in one way or another, as it changes hands and becomes both a symbol of power and a catalyst for conflict.

The journeys of Lin and the rifle are set against the rugged backdrop of post-Civil War America. As Lin tracks Dutch Henry, he crosses paths with various figures including a couple escaping from marauding Indians, Lola, a troubled showgirl caught up in an abusive relationship, and an opportunistic trader. Throughout these encounters, Lin is forced to confront not only his external quest but also internal struggles tied to family, loyalty, and redemption. The rifle serves as a thread binding these tales together, illustrating the diverse motivations and circumstances of those who possess it. With each step closer to Dutch Henry, Lin's quest for justice and retribution grows increasingly personal and perilous.