how to measure the barrel?

hello guys,

i have an 870 express that i bought for home defende (not fired yet) and im not decide to keep it because i dont like how long is, if i looks for the specs from remington say is 18.5" barrel but why when i try a Super Nova or other tactical shotguns like stoeger, weatherby, etc i found mine so long? this 1/2 extra make this difference? Im thinking to buy the ATI Tactical Stock but i dont want to spend more money until be sure if i keep it. If i want to cut this 1/2 inch extra (i believe that the minimum by law is 18") how i can measure properly? from the muzzle end to the action start? (as i show in the number 1) or from the begining of the barrel inside the action to the muzzle? (as i show in number 2)

thanks in advance

Attachment 37691

Close the bolt with the gun empty and cocked take a cleaning to and stick in in the muzzle end of the barrel until it stops. Grab the cleaning rod at the end of the barrel and take measurement there

Yep. Barrel length is measured from the breech face to the end if the barrel. I like to drop a cleaning rod down the barrel with the action closed and mark it with a sharpie. Then I pull it out and measure the rod.

Before you consider hacking 1/2" off the barrel just think about a couple of things. First, that half inch of barrel probably doesn't weigh much more than a wedding ring so that's how much weight you will be saving. Not even noticeable. Second, 18.000" is legal. Technically, 17.999" is a federal offense.

Thank a lot guys, ill mesure it tonight

Remember to measure twice, cut once.

Leave it be. As Ray mentioned the weight will be negligible and 1/2" of length is cheap insurance.