Shotgun noob with stupid question re barrel length.

[Jack19]

From what two points do you measure a shotgun's barrel?

I picked up a Rem 870 Police Magnum today and the box says it's an 18" barrel on the weapon. As it looked longer to me I got out the trusty tape measure and measured from the muzzle to the front edge of the receiver....19.5 inches.

Who's right me or the box?

 

[dfariswheel]

You measure rifle and shotgun barrels by putting a rod or dowel down the bore until it touches the face of the CLOSED bolt or breech face.

Mark the rod even with the muzzle, remove the rod and measure from the end to the mark.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Yup, that's the way the ATF does it and that's what counts. Sounds as if yours is in reality closer to a 20" barrel, my 18" Police gun barrel measures 17 1/8" from the front of the receiver to the muzzle and 18 1/8" down the bore...

lpl/nc

 

[Delivery McGee]

This thread inspired me to get out a tape measure and check my 870 Express, which turned out to be exactly 18.5", as advertised.