Project gun question
 

Hello Everyone, So I purchased a project gun, huge project, and dug into it tonight. So far all of the parts match to number 20943. I have the receiver and forend apart. Just one odd thing. On the barrel flats the number 11860 is stamped, however on the side of the barrel lug 20943 is stamped. The 11860 stamp looks "original" to production and the 20943 appears to be later as the style, depth, and spacing between the numbers differ ever so slightly. Can anyone clarify as to why the barrels are stamped twice? Appreciate any insight. Thanks, Dean

The number, 11860, is probably an order number.

The one on the barrel flat is a production no and the one on the side of the lug is the serial no.

Thanks guys, all numbers match

Earlier hammer guns commonly had the order number stamped on the flat like you describe.