I must say that Shadow Riders is not the worst one of these "Sackett" movies I've ever seen, but it is pretty mediocre. Plus, let's just face it, not every Louis L'amoure book is a winner. This one was probably cranked out over a weekend.
Also, regarding the film itself, it seems that Sam Elliott has never had any luck with casting in his movies, and this one is no different. The guy who played the Confederate ARmy Colonel (cant recall his name now), is so badly miscast as to be totally unbelievable in this role. He distracts from the story so much that it becomes boring and almost unwatchable. Not only that, but the very important parts of any film, direction and editing, are also mediocre.
Too bad. Selleck, Elliott, Ross, plus the great Harry Carey , Jr., Ben Johnson and others in the film did their parts.