Barrel Measuring

[chrisb]

What is the proper way to measure the barrel on a bolt action? Is it from the face of the receiver? Do i need to account for chamber length? should i measure on the inside from where the threads start?

I know this is kind of a silly question but i'm trying to determine how long my current barrel is to find out what kind of length/weight savings i may see by cutting or getting a shorter barrel.

[Straight Shooter]

Should be end of the muzzle to bolt face.  You can use a cleaning rod or wooden dowel... mark it at the muzzle, then measure it.  To make sure, it wouldn't hurt to check with the BATF.

[chrisb]

Should be end of the muzzle to bolt face.  You can use a cleaning rod or wooden dowel... mark it at the muzzle, then measure it.  To make sure, it wouldn't hurt to check with the BATF.

So then i wouldn't need to subtract chamber from the length of the barrel?

[Heredoggydoggy]

Barrel length is from the bolt face when the bolt is closed, to the end of the muzzle. Less than 16" on a rifle, and you fall under the classification of "Short-barreled Rifle".  Illegal in WA State.  The only way a barrel shorter than 16" is legal is IF the length to the end of a muzzle brake or flash hider extends the length to 16" or more, AND the muzzle brake/flash hider is welded, pinned, or otherwise permanently attached.

[chrisb]

Barrel length is from the bolt face when the bolt is closed, to the end of the muzzle. Less than 16" on a rifle, and you fall under the classification of "Short-barreled Rifle".  Illegal in WA State.  The only way a barrel shorter than 16" is legal is IF the length to the end of a muzzle brake or flash hider extends the length to 16" or more, AND the muzzle brake/flash hider is welded, pinned, or otherwise permanently attached.

I'm not too concerned about being classified as an SBR since i'm looking at cutting down to somewhere in the 16" - 18" range. I'm really just trying to determine the correct length of my current barrel.

I'll try using a cleaning rod and marking it to get the correct length.

[Rob]

Slight thread hijack...  How about revolvers?  I assume you don't include the cylinder length in that measurement, right?  Measure from the gap to the crown?

[chrisb]

Slight thread hijack...  How about revolvers?  I assume you don't include the cylinder length in that measurement, right?  Measure from the gap to the crown?

Good question.... maybe someone on this board knows where to find or can build a table for us that describes how to measure this for the different types of actions.

[Heredoggydoggy]

Yes, Revolver barrel length is measured from the Forcing Cone (at cylinder gap) to the muzzle.  Semiauto pistols are measured pretty much actual length, meaning cylinder to muzzle, same as bolt rifle barrels and shotgun barrels.  BATFE officials have dowel rods painted red at 16" for rifles and 18" for shotguns.  With the action closed, they drop the dowel down the barrel. Any red showing, and it's jail time!