Ruger to Pause Blackhawk, Vaquero and Other Single-Action Revolvers

Ruger plans to finish its current Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Vaquero, and Single-Series production runs by the end of 2026, while Bearcat production stops immediately. The Wrangler and Super Wrangler will continue. That would leave just two single-action revolver lines in regular production next year. The cuts go beyond single-actions: Ruger is also suspending the GP100, SP101 and LCR now and winding down several handgun and rifle lines.

The company confirmed the changes to NRA's American Rifleman on October 14. Abbey Clary, Ruger's director of media, advertising and public relations, said the move is part of its Ruger 2030 strategy and "does not necessarily mean these product families are permanently discontinued."

A broad cut to the Ruger lineup

Production of the current-generation LCR, SP101, GP100, and Bearcat is suspended immediately. Ruger says it will complete its final 2026 runs of the SR1911, LC Carbine, PC Charger, PC Carbine, LC Charger, Redhawk, Super Redhawk, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Single-Series revolvers, Vaquero, No. 1, 77-Series rifles, Hawkeye and Ruger Precision Rifle.

That's a broad cut, but the timing matters. A dealer may still have a GP100 in stock, and guns from the second group may continue coming off the line during the rest of this year. Ruger has not given a model-by-model last-production date or said how many of each remain to be made. The Ruger Precision Rimfire is a separate product from the Ruger Precision Rifle and was not included in the suspension list.

Clary said Ruger expects some names and product families to return in new forms, but has no specific product plans or reintroduction dates to announce. In other words, a future GP100 is possible; a replacement GP100 is not yet a product announcement. Ruger also has not said that parts or service for existing firearms will end.

Is this the end of Ruger's single-actions?

Not altogether, but this is a major cut. Bearcat production stops now, while the Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Vaquero and Single-Series revolvers get final 2026 runs. Ruger says it will keep making the Wrangler and Super Wrangler, which its current manual identifies as single-action revolvers. If the plan holds, those two Wranglers will be Ruger's continuing single-action lineup in 2027. That leaves no announced centerfire single-action revolver in regular production. Ruger says some suspended families may return in new forms, but has named no replacements or dates.

Other lines continuing into 2027 include the LCP family, RXM, MAX-9, Security-380, Security-9, Ruger-5.7, Mark IV, 22 Charger, American Rifle, American Rimfire, Ruger Precision Rimfire, Harrier, 10/22 and Mini-14.

Ruger's Ruger 2030 presentation had already described plans to simplify its product lineup and devote capacity to higher-demand models. The new announcement puts specific names and a schedule on that strategy. If one of those models is on your shopping list, ask a dealer about the exact configuration you want. “Suspended” is not the same as “sold out,” but it is a reason to check before assuming another production run is coming.