I haven’t seen #3 in other parts of the country and I have been in rural Missouri for months at a time since open carry was passed.
In the five years since I have lived in the Phoenix Valley as a primary residence (the last two retired) I have seen it probably 15 to 20 times. WalMarts, Woodcraft shops, grocery store parking lots make up the majority of those sightings. I will also ad that while my wife thinks I am oblivious to many things she thinks are important, situational awareness makes me see these when the person is not trying to be too conspicuous — perhaps others might not even observe it.
Of course, out here the Glock is the state flower.
Fascinating. I wonder if your “Tommy Tacticool” number three types really are a local to Phoenix phenomenon or if they crop up elsewhere.