Question about barrel date stamp on my Remington 03A3

Attachment 115295I recently picked up a Remington 03A3. The barrel looks like it may have been originally stamped 3 43 but then restamped with a 1 over/in the 3 and a 2 next to that. Making the new stamp 12 43. is this normal? Any reason they would do this? 12 43 is a perfect match for the serial number on the receiver. I am brand new here and I hope this question is ok.

Looks like there is a partial "A" to the left of the "R". Along with the 3 under the 1, this would indicate to me that the barrel was in the incorrect position when the stamping began, off by about a quarter turn. Mistakes happen in mass production!

Mike

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Originally Posted by Mike D

off by about a quarter turn

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That would sound about right to me too.