Are there a good book that can be used to identify the different brand of holsters by using their mfg. # to which they fit and barrel length? geraldo

Not to my knowledge. There are good books on some aspects of holsters, such as Meadows book, "US Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes." Also, "Packing Iron." shows old west type holsters, etc. The best source of trying to identify hosters with only catalog numbers stamped on them and no makers name, is to collect the old catalogs of various holster makers and/or stores that sold these, such as Montgomery Wards, Sear Roebuck, Western Auto, etc. Materials used to stich and sew leather, carving designs etc, can help date a holster and point to a maker. "Turnriver" on this Forum (John Witty) is an expert on holsters and if you post a picture here of a holster, he can tell you quite a bit about it. Ed.