Rednichols is correct, of course. The concept of 'stocking dealers', coupled with 'floor plan' dealer financing, had a huge impact on the holster business. Bianchi deserves much credit, not only for his approach to the business, but for excellent designs and product development over the years.

Between Bianchi and Safariland the US market was effectively dominated. Roy Baker (Roy's Original Pancake) moved in a similar direction, with displays of his products in stores all over the US. Bucheimer-Clark worked hard to establish a similar market position. Don Hume advertised widely and was successful in maintaining a significant market share via catalog sales.

Red's points about a single pattern being applicable to multiple handguns (both models and types), as well as his observations about covered trigger guards being "inconceivable" and "wrong" speak volumes about the evolution of the holster business over the past several decades.

Again, thanks for an interesting post.