38/44 Marking Question

[Dennis2149]

Hello all, I picked-up this 1953ish 38/44 Outdoorsman earlier this year-great shooting machine. Has all matching numbers including the magna grips. It does have indications to me of having been either fully re-finished or partially refinished in its past. There are no markings on the grip frame of any factory work. There is, however, an R after the serial number in the barrel shroud. Would appreciate your well experienced observations/opinions as to what the R may signify/represent? Thanks in advance.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Very nice! IIRC, the R indicates repair by the service department during production.