Rider from Tucson

Dave Saunders and his sidekick Chito Rafferty travel to see their friend Tug Bailey, who is engaged to Jane Whipple. Tug fears his gold claim is in danger from possible claim jumpers. The tension sets up the danger that will drive much of the plot.

Gypsy hires Bob Rankin to kidnap Jane as her stagecoach enters town, hoping to use the stunt as leverage against Tug's claim. Rankin quickly realizes the kidnapping could be worth real money and power. He demands half the claim, or he will deal with Tug directly.

Rankin discovers the kidnapping is leverage and confronts Gypsy, demanding his share of Tug's claim. Gypsy refuses to back down and pushes forward with the plan. The confrontation escalates the danger facing Tug, Jane, and their allies.

Dave and Chito persuade Tug to let them search for Jane instead of surrendering his claim. They volunteer to track down the kidnapper's gang and rescue Jane. Tug reluctantly agrees, hoping to protect Jane and his own future.

Dave and Chito locate Jane and free her from Rankin's gang. They escort Jane to Mrs. O'Reilly's boarding house for safety. The rescue demonstrates the partners' resourcefulness and willingness to risk danger for their friends.

During negotiations at Tug's ranch, Gypsy arrives, kills Rankin, and knocks Tug unconscious, taking him away. Jackson, Rankin's henchman, is left behind to dispose of Rankin's body. Dave and Chito witness the upheaval and return to Tug's ranch to regroup.

Dave and Chito pursue Jackson but cannot catch him as he rides away. They return to Tug's ranch and discover Rankin's body. The discovery pushes Dave and Chito to uncover the larger conspiracy and pursue the Averys.

The sheriff and his deputies arrest Dave and Chito for Rankin's murder. En route to jail, Dave and Chito overpower the deputies and escape. They resume their pursuit to protect Jane and uncover more about Tug's mine.

In town, Dave and Chito find Jackson, who confesses that one of the Averys killed Rankin. The confession points to a wider conspiracy among Tug's enemies. Dave and Chito gather leads as they press forward.

Jane, preparing to leave town, is told the truth about Tug's reluctance to marry. She learns that a miner named Hardrock knows the location of Tug's gold mine. Armed with this information, she shares it with Dave and Chito to help them plan.

Tug agrees to show Gypsy the mine in exchange for Jane's release. Dave and Chito locate Hardrock, who escorts them to Tug's mine. The trio prepares for a dangerous confrontation.

Near the mine, Tug refuses to go all the way until Jane is released. Dave ambushes John Avery, triggering a final gunfight. Chito and Hardrock ride away to salvage their escape while the sheriff and his posse arrive to subdue the Avery gang.

After the dust settles, Tug and Jane marry at the wedding reception. Dave and Chito wish them luck and ride off into the western sunset. The film closes on the two friends continuing their frontier adventures.