Against explicit orders, a vainglorious cavalry major insists on counterattacking a gang of hostile Sioux Indians. His captain refuses to comply and is arrested for insubordination and cowardice.

Mysterious cowboy Bill Patton (as Bob Norton) arrives, "in the land of the West - on the banks of the Rio Grande," at the "Bar-V" ranch. Ostensibly seeking employment, Mr. Patton is revealed, as the plot unravels, an undercover Texas Ranger. Patton wants to get a job at the "Bar-V", and round-up evidence against newly appointed foreman, and all-around snake-in-the-grass, Jack House (as "Buck" Bailey).

Lt. Tom Brennan is cashiered from the 7th Cavalry on two charges, both unjust: that of deserting his men in the face of a cruel Indian attack, and of entertaining a married woman in his quarters after hours. Tom wanders into the desert and is picked up half-dead by Yuba Bill, a prospector with whom he goes into partnership. The Indians go on the warpath, and Tom rides to the fort and warns the colonel. Tom's innocence is established by the confession of an enlisted man, and Tom is reinstated to the service with full honors, renewing his engagement with Margaret Cranston.

Larry Lang is out to get desperado Claude Dutton (Ed Piel), the man who killed his father, which is why he is known as a sagebrush Hamlet.

Mexican-bandit Montero and his deaf-mute sidekick Coloso are being pursued through the sand-dunes of southern Arizona by lawman Bob-Cat Manners and his posse. Montero has intentions of robbing the bank owned by skinflint Lucius Perkins, but is sidetracked by the attractions of singing-teacher Helen Wardell. He learns that Perkins has marital designs on Helen and holds the mortgage on her ranch. But Helen is in love with Bill Howard. Perkins offers Montero money to kill his rival.

Government agent Gordon, working undercover, is investigating a cattleman sheepman war. The Culprit is Horton and when Horton kills Parker he frames Gordon. His identity revealed, the Sheriff lets Gordon escape to go after the real killer.

Red attempts to save the townspeople whose water supply is held hostage by a villain.

Old timer Hank Robbins and his young pal,"Red" Hepner ride into the town of Cajon, Mexico and find it under a reign of terror imposed by a mysterious outlaw known as El Lobo. Don Jose Valencia is also upset over the romance between his son Francisco and saloon girl Dolores. Pete Sangor, an American resident, has his eye on the girl also. "Red" and Hank discover that Sangor is El Lobo, and ride to rescue the kidnapped Francisco.

The railroad wants to extend a line across the Briggs' ranch, and hires a gang to get rid of John Briggs and his daughter, Nan sweetheart of the local sheriff. Wanderers "Sidewinder" Steve and his young friend "Red" Hepner take a hand in the proceedings and manage to save Briggs and his daughter, the ranch, and the romance.

Red saves his prospector sidekick Hank Robbins from the hangman.