[Zebulon]

I currently own three 870P shotguns....One is still on the way from the Seller. but the two I have here both have Factory extended tubes. The barrels are slightly shorter than the barrels. The question is this...How is the barrel measured? From what point to the muzzle. I ask, because the two guns I have measure about 1/2 of an inch difference...Neither is 18" or 20"...both measure "about" 19-19 1/2"....I've seen many pictures of 870's where the barrel and the end of the extended tube are either equal to one another, OR the barrel is slightly longer than the magazine....Is there any way of knowing why the differences..or whether or not I own 18" or 20" guns?....Thanks very much.....Zeb

[Oldnamvet]

With the gun unloaded and the action closed, slide a 3 ft dowel down the barrel until it bottoms out. Mark the end of the barrel on the dowel and pull it out. Measure the length to the mark and that is your barrel length.

[Zebulon]

Thank you Sir....will do................Zebulon

[dfariswheel]

Within the last couple of years Remington apparently changed their barrel lengths by 1/2" inch.

The older guns have exactly 18" or 20" barrels, and the extension stuck out beyond the muzzle.
This was originally so the protruding end could be used to mount a bayonet.

A year or so ago, Remington started adding 1/2" to the barrel so the extension is now flush with the muzzle.

[Zebulon]

MR.dfariswheel..... Added comfort from a familiar name I've grown to respect over the years..Thanks for the continued patience and support....You must have been 870-fed as an infant....I really think you love these things! Who can blame you??!....Thanks again....Zebulon