Old Time Radio Westerns: Six-Gun Justice | The Lone Ranger (12-10-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Release Date: January 5, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns revisits a classic Lone Ranger broadcast from December 10, 1952. In "Six-Gun Justice," the Lone Ranger and Tonto aid in resolving a feud rooted in tragedy: a bank robbery years ago that left a woman dead, her husband an outlaw, and her son an aspiring lawman. The episode explores themes of justice, vengeance, redemption, and the possibility of reconciliation even after years of pain and misunderstanding.

Key Discussion Points & Story Events

1. The Tragic Bank Robbery: Foundations of Revenge

• Bank Robbery Details (05:25 – 07:22):

  • Bluff Logan and his gang rob the Hawksville bank, firing their way out and hitting innocent bystanders.
  • Jane Coleman is killed, and her son Bob is wounded.
  • Luke Coleman (Jane’s husband) is devastated by the loss and angry at both the outlaws and Sheriff Jackson for the crossfire.
  • Quote (Luke Coleman, 07:22):
    “My wife killed and my son wounded.”

• Motivation for Vengeance (07:26 – 08:54):

  • Luke blames both the outlaws and uncertainly the sheriff, questioning if law or outlaw fired the fatal shot.
  • He declares, "Bluff Logan, huh? That’s one killer I'll never forget any more than I'll forget Sheriff Jackson and his wild shooting." (07:33)

2. Descent into Outlawry and Bob’s Growth

• Luke Turns Outlaw (08:54 – 09:24):

  • Driven by grief and a desire for retribution, Luke begins robbing banks himself, never crossing paths with Logan.

• Years Later: Bob Comes of Age (09:24 – 10:13):

  • Bob, now a young man, intends to become a lawman despite being left parentless.

3. The Lone Ranger’s Intervention & Family Truths Revealed

• Lone Ranger and Tonto’s Rescue (09:24 – 10:45):

  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto find Bob after a riding accident and learn his identity.

• Family History and Misunderstandings (10:47 – 11:44):

  • Bob reveals much of his rage against outlaws stems from that fateful robbery. He acknowledges the sheriff likely did NOT shoot his mother, but that message may not have reached his father.
  • Quote (Bob, 11:23):
    “No, she was shot in the back. We were looking toward Logan and his gang when the sheriff opened fire behind our backs… it had to be an outlaw's bullet.”

4. Law and Outlaws Collide: Plans and Rivalries

• Law’s Preparations (12:31 – 13:13):

  • The Lone Ranger coordinates with Marshal Hancock, sending Deputy Hollis to join the hunt for Luke’s gang.

• Bluff Logan’s Return & Gang Rivalry (13:26 – 16:18):

  • Bluff Logan reconnects with Kino and schemes to take over Luke Coleman’s gang, seeking a big score on Buckeye bank.

5. The Stakes Escalate: Treachery in the Hideout

• Power Struggles (15:39 – 16:54):

  • Tension among Coleman's gang as Kino and others consider defecting to Logan’s leadership.
  • Toby, the loyal safecracker, resists the mutiny.

• Logan Sets an Ambush (16:21 – 16:46):

  • Logan waits to ambush Luke upon his return.

6. The Climactic Confrontations

• The Lone Ranger’s Plea for Surrender (21:25 – 23:18):

  • The Lone Ranger intercepts Luke, urging him to turn himself in and clear his name, as Bob is now sheriff.
  • Quote (Lone Ranger, 22:31):
    “You could serve your sentence and then be free.”

• Betrayal & Capture at the Hideout (23:32 – 25:44):

  • Logan and his men tie up Toby and Deputy Hollis, knocking Luke unconscious.

• Race to Buckeye (26:08 – 27:05):

  • Luke and Toby escape their bonds and rush to town, hoping to beat Logan to the bank.

7. Justice in Buckeye: Showdown and Resolution

• Gunfight in Buckeye (27:05 – 28:14):

  • Luke and Toby ambush Logan’s gang outside the bank. Luke is wounded.

• Arrests and Aftermath (28:14 – 29:32):

  • The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Marshal Hollis arrive in time to arrest the surviving outlaws.
  • Luke and Toby are praised for their actions but must face justice themselves.

• Father and Son Reunited (29:05 – 30:24):

  • Bob and Luke talk, reconciling as father and son despite their tragic history.
  • Bob assures Luke, "The law might be lenient in his case and yours." (29:39)

• Hope for Redemption (30:06 – 30:24):

  • Marshal Hollis explains that with the Lone Ranger's advocacy, Luke and Toby may get lighter sentences.

8. Closing Reflections

• The Lone Ranger’s Legacy and Justice Theme (30:24 – 32:13):
  • The possibility of forgiveness and a new chance is left open, with Bob and Luke finding a measure of peace.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• Luke’s Grief:
  “My wife killed and my son wounded.” – Luke Coleman (07:22)
• On the Mask:
  “The mask doesn't mean I'm an outlaw.” – The Lone Ranger (10:29)
• Family History:
  “He’s my father. I haven’t seen him since I was 12 years old. He left town after mom was killed and I was wounded.” – Bob (10:45)
• On Justice:
  “You could serve your sentence and then be free.” – The Lone Ranger to Luke (22:31)
• On Redemption:
  "The law might be lenient in his case and yours." – Bob to Luke (29:39)
• Marshal Hollis, re: The Lone Ranger:
  "A friend of yours is on his way to the governor to discuss your case. The law owes him plenty. And with him on your side, who knows what your sentence will be." (30:12)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Plot Point | |-------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 05:25–07:22 | Bank robbery; Jane Coleman killed | | 08:54–09:24 | Luke becomes an outlaw | | 09:24–11:44 | Bob’s background, collision with Lone Ranger | | 12:31–13:13 | Marshal Hancock coordinates with Lone Ranger | | 13:26–16:46 | Bluff Logan plans to take over Luke’s gang | | 21:25–23:18 | The Lone Ranger confronts Luke Coleman | | 23:32–25:44 | Toby and Hollis attacked and tied up | | 26:08–27:05 | Luke and Toby escape, race to town | | 27:05–28:14 | Showdown at Buckeye; Luke is wounded | | 29:05–30:24 | Luke and Bob reconcile; law promises leniency |

Tone and Presentation

The episode maintains the classic Western drama tone—stoic, rugged, with moments of tenderness and hope. Dialogue reflects the terse, direct manner of Western staples, while occasional narration paints vivid pictures of the action and emotion.

Summary for New Listeners

“Six-Gun Justice” is a classic Lone Ranger episode, weaving together action, family tragedy, and the pursuit of justice. It highlights the consequences of violence, the burdens of misunderstanding, and the hope found in forgiveness and redemption. The Lone Ranger, as ever, stands as the bridge between law and compassion, ensuring that even outlaws are given their chance at atonement. The episode’s digitally restored sound further immerses listeners in the Old West, making both the suspense and the emotional beats come alive.

For more classic Western adventures and restored audio, visit otrwesterns.com.