How to measure barrel

[clamman]

I have a Mossberg 500 with the plain barrel and the rifled slug barrel. Currently have the slug barrel on for HD because it's shorter. Now I'm thinking about using the other one because the rifling in the slug barrel will probably affect the pattern in a negative way. 16" is the minumum in NC. My question is where do I start measuring from on the breech end? Or, should I just leave well enough alone, because If I need it in the home my longest shot will probably be no more than 30 feet. Ps loaded with 00 Buck.

 

[rcmodel]

With the action closed & locked, stick a cleaning rod down the barrel and mark it.

Then take it out and measure it.

That is how it is measured.

If you plan to cut a longer barrel off?

Cut it 18 1/4" so you have a little fudge factor left to clean up the cut and still be legal.

EDITED: To correct brain fart on shotgun barrel length!!


rc

 

[Arp32]

16 1/4" - shotgun or rifle?

 

[roadchoad]

Shotgun legal length is federally set at 18"!!!!!

 

[Arp32]

Right, I think we were talking about two different things here

 

[roadchoad]

Other than that, what RCModel said.

But remember - 18" or longer for shotguns.

 

[roadchoad]

I was typing my first post before you posted, not directed at you Arp.

 

[roadchoad]

Crisis averted! LOL