Measuring shotgun barrel length

[orionengnr]

How do measure the length of a barrel?

Specifically, a Remington 870...with barrel dismounted from receiver, or fully assembled?

Thanks in advance...

 

[sacp81170a]

Easiest way is to measure from the face of the bolt when closed. Make sure the chamber is clear, close the bolt, put a piece of dowel down the barrel until it touches the face of the bolt. Mark where it comes out the barrel and measure. Should be at least 18 inches, I'd feel more comfortable with an extra quarter inch of length. Overall length should be > 26 inches. If either one of these dimensions are less than specified, you need a tax stamp from the ATF and it should be registered as an AOW.

 

[Rangr44]

Per BATF, shotgun and rifle barrel length is measured by inserting a solid rod down the bore from the muzzle to the face of the closed, cocked bolt; then marking the rod at the muzzle & measuring the marked length after withdrawing it.

 

[CNYCacher]

Per BATF, shotgun and rifle barrel length is measured by inserting a solid rod down the bore from the muzzle to the face of the closed, cocked bolt; then marking the rod at the muzzle & measuring the marked length after withdrawing it.

cocked bolt?

I wonder how many people went to jail on a felony conviction because they measured 17.95 inches for the damn firing pin sticking out.

"Haul him away boys!"

"Wait, you forgot to cock it!"

-snick-

"Well, it's your lucky day, Mr. Stevens. Apparently you are a law-abiding citizen and not a liquor-store robber in training."

If the word "cocked" doesn't illustrate the absurdity of firearm laws, nothing will.


Oh yeah, and the "overall" measurement has to be parallel to the bore, don't forget that.

 

[orionengnr]

Thank you.
So I guess I can't buy a barrel on eBay that claims to be 18", as it may be "somewhat less" after installation?

 

[zero_chances]

Did the seller cut it down? Or is it a factory barrel?