What does the # 8 on the barrel flat mean?

[Jim DiSpagno]

It's a 2 frame gun. The "8" is probably an inspectors mark

[Keith Sirmans]

Originally Posted by Jim DiSpagno

It's a 2 frame gun. The "8" is probably an inspectors mark

That's what the K is

[Researcher]

The Kf is the barrel steel mark used on Vulcan Steel barrels from the introduction of the Quality VH guns into the 134xxx serial number range.

110413 02.jpg

Similarly Titanic and Acme Steel barrels through that time frame are marked with a K --

92809 03 K barrel steel mark.jpg

105974 02 K in barrel steel location.jpg

By the 135xxx serial number range we begin seeing the V, T, A in a circle barrel steel marks.