Federal statutes require minimum barrel lengths for various types of firearms, including rifles and shotguns. How do you accura

[WA Mtnhunter]

Federal statutes require minimum barrel lengths for various types of firearms, including rifles and shotguns. How do you accurately measure the true barrel length in compliance with Fed rules?

[jhjimbo]

Close the action and put a rod down the bore, mark at the muzzle and then measure the rod to the mark.
Not sure about something like a fixed muzzle break.

[Treestand]

From the Chamber Face to the Muzzle tip.

[FirstBubba]

From what I understand, that is a real bone of contention.
Jim always loaded a "dummy" round and measured from the face of the shell. He then added 2". If the customer didn't find the length satisfactory, Jim would refuse the work.
Seems federal LEO's don't always follow the same rules or have the same standards. Regardless f "how" you measured Jim's barrel cut, it exceeded 18"!

[Carl Huber]

I think we all say the same gun smithing tip. The only thing that wasn't made clear by Midway was break action guns. All his measurements were from a closed bolt face. I think FirstBubba came up with a logical answer BUT barrel lengths aren't like the hem on a skirt. Better an extra couple of inches.

[WA Mtnhunter]

I see y'all saw American Rifleman last night. Good answers!