I just picked up a used Model 39-2 and when cleaning it I notice a "P" stamped on the bottom of the barrel under the feed ramp. The gun was made in 1977. It shoots about 3-4 inches high at 15 yards and was wondering if someone changed the barrel at some time. I compared it with my Model 59 barrel and it looks identical except there is no "P" on the 59. Does anyone know what this means? Thanks.

Welcome to the forum. No marks on underside of my Mod. 39 barrel though gun is a couple years older than yours. Regarding the high groupings that could be anything from a gun doctor type thing to a tigger control or gripping issue. Have it checked out by a competent gunsmith. The 39 not only looks good they shoot good! enjoy

I don't have my 39-2 in front of me, but I beleive it has a letter stamped into the barrel (not sure which one). My 39-2 was made in 1980. The first time I took it out I was shooting high and to the right. The next time I took it out the sun was at a different angle and I was able to sight the windage adjustment and it shot exactly where I wanted it to. I don't know if you shoot outdoors or not, but that could be a big issure. Also, someone may have filed down the front sight to suit them and now it is off for everyone else who shoots it. It could also be the reasons Kitgun listed.
The Best way I have found of troubleshooting something like this is to start out close to the target and concentrate on doing all of the stuff you are supposed to on each shot (Front sight focus, trigger control, etc). Then back up by a few yards after each group. This generally tells me if it is the gun or me. You may need to get a different grip style as well to make it shoot to your point of aim.

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J.D. Roy

Thank you all for your help. I think the "P" may be for the Product Improved version which this is. It has the extractor with the dimple in it, etc. The front sight has never been filed and I have access to another slightly older M39-2 that shoots POI and will start switching barrels, bushings, etc. to try to narrow the problem. If anyone does notice a "P" on the underside front of their barrel please let me know. Thanks again.

I also have a 39-2 with a "P" stamped on the barrel, mine was made in 1979. I only noticed it after reading your post and tore it down to check it out.

I have two Model 39-2's and two model 59's.
Curiosity got the best of me,
A quick look revealed all 4 have the "P" stamp,
I dont know what that meens though.
Cheers.

After some research, the "P" may mean that the barrel was proof tested. It seems they started doing this around 1976. There is an old thread on this that I found by accident and they talked about the "P". I have a model 59 that I bought in November 1975 and it doesn't have the "P".

Nice job!

But, now I am going to have to take all of mine apart and check them.

Also, that's another thing I will be keeping my eyes open for...

(where's the 'pull my hair out' emoticon)