How to Measure Barrel Length

Barrels are the part of guns through which ammunition travels.

Many states have laws that regulate the length of guns people can use for hunting. People who shoot competitively also must know the length of their gun barrel, since a barrel that is too short or too long could result in disqualification from the event. Measuring the length of a gun barrel is a quick process that people can do on their own.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Dowel
• Pen

Instructions

1. Ensure the gun is not loaded.

2. Cock the gun, as if you were about to shoot it.

3. Insert one end of a dowel into the end of the gun. The dowel should be similar in size to the barrel, but small enough that it fits inside. Push the dowel into the barrel as far as you can.

4. Mark the spot on the dowel where it protrudes from the end of the gun.

5. Measure from the end of the dowel that was inside the barrel to the spot you marked. That figure is the length of the barrel.