how to measure the barrel?

[colo-pr]

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

[spleify]

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

[ray1970]

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.

[colo-pr]

Thank a lot guys, ill mesure it tonight

[kidicarus13]

Remember to measure twice, cut once.

[BPTactical]

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