GI Barrel help

[WmMckee]

Am fairly new to the M1911 world, but am trying to catch up asap. Just got a 1917 period barrel (h&p in correct view) but upon cleaning found a letter I behind the connect pin and on bottom of barrel small number 5. Can anyone shed any light on this version. Unit has about 80% blue left on it and bore is sharp and non pitted. Thanks for your help in advance.

[exitwounds]

The 5 is not uncommon to be found in that location. When you say "behind the connect pin", do you mean to the rear of the barrel pin hole on the barrel lug? Do you have a picture of it?

[WmMckee]

When the barrel is horizonal on it's right side with the chamber on the right the letter is to the right of the pin hole. Do not have pics at this time. Will try to obtain ditigal and send you some. Thanks for your response.

[exitwounds]

H P and interlaced HP barrels had no barrel lug markings that I am aware of.

[Doran]

What is the letter?

[Mark Hitchcock]

H P and interlaced HP barrels had no barrel lug markings that I am aware of.
Horizontal HP, Verticle HP and interlaced HP barrels come with a variety of markings on the lugs and in front of the lug post. 5 and G are the most common stamps in front of the lugs, J or F are sometimes marked on the RH lug.
Look for the absence of a transition step between the chamber and barrel on WWI barrels. WWII barrels have the step, WWI barrels don't, as a general rule.

[exitwounds]

Horizontal HP, Vertical HP and interlaced HP barrels come with a variety of markings on the lugs and in front of the lug post. 5 and G are the most common stamps in front of the lugs, J or F are sometimes marked on the RH lug.
Look for the absence of a transition step between the chamber and barrel on WWI barrels. WWII barrels have the step, WWI barrels don't, as a general rule.

I've seen the J on lugs of commercial barrels. Perhaps the later transition barrels have them, but honestly I do not recall seeing any on the 1911 barrel lugs. The transition barrels that I have encountered lacked them as well, not to say they don't exist, but I personally have not seen any on the lugs, I have seen the 5, 5 R, G, G Y, 7, F, K, and S stamped only the bellies. Thanks for enlightening me to the fact that they do exist.