Thanks for looking at this for me. It is a four inch barrel. The front sight blade is typical--unmarked, serrated along with the back of the base, typical shape, etc. Yes, a new replacement barrel could be a plus for a shooter, unless the markings indicate a cheap commercial reproduction; I wouldn't know how well the tolerances were held, whether it had been headspaced properly, and whether or not it would shoot well (haven't gotten to the range with it yet). Also, having an original barrel in "excellent" condition would have suggested to me that the balance of the pistol was well cared for. But if the original had been replaced.....I just don't know. A thorough cleaning introduced oil into crevaces and places like the sear plunger, which caused oily rust to begin seeping out of them. It isn't really that bad, but you know how it is; it seems I always find something to be disappointed with when I buy a firearm online.
That strange mark is supposed to be a "C" suffix, but it was defaced. Whether this was intentional or not, I don't know (Simpson did disclose the defacement in the advert.), but it is possible to make out the letter when viewing in person. It looks like a couple of chisel or screwdriver blows. I've been pouring over the archives here and trying the search function to no avail; I've found no mention of these barrel markings.
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