How to measure 870 barrel length

[Kookla]

I have a wingmaster with a full choke barrel that's measuring out 29 1/2" if I am measuring from the end of the receiver to the end of the barrel. Since I haven't seen any barrels listed at that length, my guess is I'm doing it wrong.

How would you properly measure the barrel length on an 870?

 

[rcmodel]

From the breech face to the muzzle.

Use a cleaning rod and measure the rod.

Sounds like you have a 30" barrel.

Rc

 

[Kookla]

Thanks! Just did that and it's 30".

 

[jmr40]

Remington doesn't always list the exact length, just to the closest full 1". Even if you measure the right way you'll get fractions of an inch with some. Sometimes 1/2" longer than advertised, and sometimes 1/2 shorter.

I suspect they build all of them 30" long, then cut them at the closest vent rib post to make shorter barrels. My 26" 870 barrels all measure 25" the way the OP did it originally and 26.5" if measured correctly.