Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. dominator 1 Clint Smith recently went to a pretty big gun show while working in Texas. It’s been some time since I went to one of these festive events and I must admit I was stunned at all the folks selling AR-15 parts including uppers, lowers, light skinny barrels and barrels heavy enough to use for a jack handle. I was somewhat taken back by the number of tactical parts and add on pieces there literally by the hundreds. Being on the range most of the time, I admit to not being much of a “hang a bunch of parts” on a rifle kinda guy. That said, I do however appreciate equipment with a function if said functions makes my life and the continuity of the classes I teach much easier to deal with. Nothing is more discouraging than fighting a crappy piece of gear while trying — key word trying — to transfer information to a new student. Over the years I’ve collected a couple of extra AR lowers as test platforms and (or in my case) replacement parts should something break while working. As part of a recent test, I got the opportunity to place the new GG&G Dominator 1 upper on one of my lowers. GG&G is known throughout the firearms industry for high quality precision parts and accessories and the Dominator 1 upper follows the same vein of high quality and well constructed equipment. The upper is a Mil-Spec 7075 aluminum receiver and the 16" chrome lined barrel is contoured and set up with a 1:9" twist and flash hider. The rear sight is the solid A2 back up sight with the front sight being the newly designed model with a positive lock and detent mechanism. Using a complete bolt I got from Brownells, the GG&G properly head spaced Dominator I 1 went together correctly and shot well across the board at the range. It shot well and I liked it. If you need or want a solid upper for a rifle or for a spare the GG&G Dominator 1 should be something you consider. dominator 1 gg&g 3602 east 42nd straVenue tucson, aZ 85713 (800) 380-2540, WWW.gggaZ.com ar parts broWnells 200 soutH Front street monteZuma, ia 50171 (800) 741-0015, WWW.broWnells.com The loaded Pancake and Sourdough Pancake from Simply rugged for the ruger Alaskan and redhawk .44 Magnums. simply rugged leatHer John Taffin hen Ruger informed me they were shipping a pair of new candidates for the title of Perfect Packin’ Pistol, I turned to Rob Leahy of Simply Rugged Leather for suitable holsters, who I “discovered” at one of the sixgun discussion Web sites. An order was placed for two of his pancake style holsters for the Ruger 2-3/4"Alaskan and the 4" Redhawk both now being offered in .44 Magnum. Rob started making his own leather while living in northern Idaho, beautiful country, but pretty much devoid of leather makers. Those first holsters were for N-frame Smith & Wessons and Ruger single actions. When Rob moved to Alaska, he started offering holsters commercially adding concealment gear for 1911s and pocket pistols. From the name selected for his company it is obvious he sticks with simple proven designs which will hold up under rugged W field use. Each holster is molded around the particular firearm it is designed for and as Rob says it provides a snug fit and will hold the sixgun in place “whether you are riding horseback, on your 4-wheeler, snow machine or flyfishing or hiking on a trail through the woods.” Most of Rob’s holsters do not require safety straps as they are so closely molded they will survive a fall off a horse, falling out of a canoe, or stumbling down the mountainside (none of which we wish on anyone). Rob says one customer was carrying a holstered S&W when he wound up swimming after a runaway jet boat. The sixgun stayed in the holster. Most are based on the time-proven Pancake design of Roy Baker. Rob also offers the Chesty Puller holster for large sixguns, iron-sighted or scoped, to be worn across the chest and named after the Marine who was, well, simply rugged. He also offers the 120 Lawrence with a long safety strap which can be unsnapped very quickly and also folded back under the belt when not in use. The two holsters selected for the new Ruger .44 Magnums are the Sourdough Pancake and the Loaded Pancake. The Sourdough Pancake pictured with the 4" Redhawk features three belt slots so it can be worn strong side or crossdraw. No safety strap is required. For the .44 Alaskan, the Loaded Pancake has six cartridge loops sewn across the front of the holster. With six in the gun and six on the holster there is no need to carry extra rounds or wear a cartridge belt. If it can’t be done with 12, it can’t be done. Rob follows the three basic necessary requirements for excellent holsters: quality design, quality workmanship and quality leather. simply rugged Holsters 1730 n. lacy loop, Wasilla, aK 99654 (907) 357-6521, WWW.simplyrugged.com 79 Clint found the gg&g Dominator 1 upper with complete bolt from Brownells fit on one of his “mule” lowers with nary a hitch and shot and performed well. WWW.GUNSMAGAZINE.COM