Target - Chester

Originally Aired: November 9, 1958

Gunsmoke #344, "Target - Chester," begins when Matt Dillon and Chester intervene to stop the Leach brothers from tormenting an old drunk. When Matt grabs Jabe Leach's gun to stop the cruel sport, it accidentally discharges and wounds Jabe's younger brother Burt in the wrist. Jabe, who dominates his brother's life with an Old Testament ferocity, makes a chilling vow that the shooting will cost the Marshal dearly. Doc Adams warns Matt that Jabe's eye-for-an-eye mentality makes him dangerous, but Matt dismisses the threat, believing Jabe is more bully than killer.

Later that evening, while Matt and Doc play checkers in the Marshal's office, they notice Chester hasn't returned from the Long Branch. When Matt hears a noise out back and investigates, he discovers Chester badly wounded. The deputy manages to gasp out his attacker's name before losing consciousness: Jabe Leach. Now Matt faces the grim reality that his intervention to help a helpless stranger has made his loyal deputy the target of a vengeful man's rage.

Welcome to Gunsmoke: Old West Stories, a podcast that takes you back to the rugged plains of 1870s Dodge City, Kansas. Rediscover the timeless tales of bravery, justice, and survival in the American frontier with our re-broadcasts of the classic Gunsmoke radio program.

First airing on April 26, 1952, Gunsmoke was celebrated as the first adult western radio show, renowned for its superb storytelling and exceptional production quality. Join Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the incomparable William Conrad, as he faces the challenges of maintaining law and order in a tumultuous town. Alongside him are unforgettable characters like Chester Proudfoot (Parley Baer), the steadfast deputy; Kitty (Georgia Ellis), the resilient saloon owner; and Doc Adams (Howard McNear), the town’s compassionate physician.

What sets Gunsmoke apart is not just its stellar cast and engaging plots but the immersive sound effects that bring each scene to life. Every gunshot, horse gallop, and whisper of the wind transports you directly to the heart of the Old West.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Gunsmoke: Old West Stories promises to deliver gripping adventures and a nostalgic journey through one of radio’s most iconic series. Tune in and let the legends of Dodge City captivate your imagination.