Ruger suspends most revolver lines, says pause isn't permanent

Ruger has notified distributors that it is suspending production of several well-known revolver lines, including the Blackhawk and Redhawk families, while also winding down other models such as the No. 1 single-shot rifle, according to Bearing Arms.

Snapshot

Ruger's distributor update draws a distinction between models being suspended immediately and those getting a final production run through the end of 2026. The company told Tom Knighton of Bearing Arms that the move "does not necessarily mean these product families are permanently discontinued," pointing to past instances where it paused and later resumed other product lines.

Key points

• Immediate suspension: The LCR, SP101, GP100 and Bearcat revolvers stop production right away, per Ruger's update to distributors.
• Final runs through 2026: The SR1911, LC Carbine/PC Charger, PC Carbine/LC Charger, Redhawk, Super Redhawk, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Single-Six revolvers, Vaquero, No. 1, 77-series rifles, Hawkeye and Ruger Precision Rifle get planned final production runs before stopping.
• One revolver remains: The Wrangler, a .22 LR single-action, is the only wheel gun Ruger will keep making, Knighton notes, calling it a similar but not self-defense-oriented alternative to the Vaquero.
• Company pushes back on doom-and-gloom: Ruger told The Gun Mag's Dave Workman that some models could return "via new designs and innovation," comparing this pause to earlier ones involving the 77-series rifles, the 22 Charger and the SR1911.

Quick take

Knighton writes he's personally disappointed, having hoped to add a GP100 or Vaquero to his own collection, but doesn't expect these guns to become scarce collectibles given how many millions are already in circulation. He says he's hopeful some models return, but isn't holding his breath that all of them will.

Read the full story: bearingarms.com