Yeah, I'm not sure I'll ever know exactly what it was.Barrel may have started as much longer and was cut down, losing the maker's mark in the cut off. Barrels are usually shortened from the muzzle end, but if not threaded right for the TC breech plug could have been chopped there as it would be rethreaded anyway...
The "R" may indicate runout, with the R indicating the bottom flat. That would need to be verified, as SDSmlf has emphasized it would significantly affect getting sights aligned to the bore.
The PO said the kits were purchased in the mid 80s in original boxes(one was built, the other is this one) with these barrels. He said the R denotes the right side.
Truthfully I have no idea haha.