There are at least two lessons in this show, and they were there for me before I was old enough to know I was learning. First, the "shootist" who came to town to die found some redemption in his death, insofar as he died helping the Rifleman defend Northfork against the bank robbers seeking revenge.
Second, the Rifleman acknowledged the bravery and heroism of the simple local man who agreed to serve as Deputy while Marshall Torrence was absent. He did not sign on to defend the town against an infamous gunman who came to town to die and apparently attend a "wake" in his own honor by buying drinks for the house until everyone in attendance was falling down drunk. He did not sign on to defend the town against three trigger happy outlaws who tracked the gunman into town seeking revenge for the death of their brother. However, when push came to shove, he stepped up, did his part, and fought beside the Rifleman and the gunman who died defending Northfork. There is no bad way to teach a child a worthwhile lesson. 5*****

the death count in this episode is four