Measuring Legal barrel length on an 870

[tabs4u]

Can anyone advise how the total barrel length on an 870 is measured and where its measured from. I have read that the total barrel length must not be below 18.5 " for a pump but is it meaured from extension that fits in the reciever or from the reciever end to the end of the barrel.

 

[smoking hull]

With the barrel installed in the receiver, slide a wooden dowel so it rest on the face of the bolt and mark where the muzzle ends on the dowel.

Measure the distance from the end to the mark and that's your barrel length.

 

[tiriaq]

Bolt face to muzzle. Measure with a rod, action closed.
If a barrel is being shortened, it cannot be cut to less than 18". (Manually operated firearm, centrefire semi cannot be shortened to less than 18.5").
If the barrel is factory made, and not one that has been shortened, there is no minimum barrel length, although the overall length of the firearm must exceed 26" to retain non-restricted status.

 

[tabs4u]

so is a pump barrel from the bolt face to the muzzle at 18 inches legal. How do tell if was cut ? looking at the barrel it does not have the length listed on it just Remington 2 3/4 " shells only and Cyl choke listed and a plain bead. I purchased this off the EE

 

[USP]

the cert doesnt always help either mine just says less than 470mm.

 

[Artiz]

And mine is registered 470mm and up. But it's an easy fix, call the CFC and they change the registration status to your new "legal" barrel.

 

[jamiejaf]

So, one can have a 2" barrel on a two foot long stock to remain non-resticted.

 

[scott]

So, one can have a 2" barrel on a two foot long stock to remain non-resticted.

yes, as long as the barrel was made from scatch, and not a longer one cut down.

 

[Kano]

yes, as long as the barrel was made from scatch, and not a longer one cut down.

I am pretty sure a barrel less than 4 inches is prohibited.

 

[curtmg]

So, one can have a 2" barrel on a two foot long stock to remain non-resticted.

I'd really recommend, at LEAST 2.75 inches

 

[tiriaq]

I am pretty sure a barrel less than 4 inches is prohibited.

If it is a pistol barrel.

 

[pitdogboy]

anything under 14inch is to 'flash/bang' for me to accuratly make another shot.

 

[Tim H]

I am pretty sure a barrel less than 4 inches is prohibited.

A barrel shorter than 4" is only Prohib on PISTOLS.

As stated, rifle or shotgun barrels can be any length so long as the overall length of the firearm is 470mm or longer. Also, a non-restricted firearm may have the barrel length altered so long as it does not make it shorter than 18". Shortening a barrel to less than 18" is a prohibited act, but may be done by a licenced gunsmith provided the status of the firearm is changed as well. That's why most gunsmiths will leave a barrel at 18.5" (ie. Norinco M305 cut-downs) so that there's no room for error. Nobody wants to be charged by the RCMP for having a barrel that's 1mm short of 18".

However a factory made barrel may be any length, but like "curtmg" suggested, you would probably not want to go shorter than 2.75"

Remington does make an 18" Cylinder bore barrel with just a bead sight for the 870. Yours is most likely one of those. The factory barrel is gently smoothed out around the muzzle. If yours is jagged or has file marks on it (usually a bad sign!), it may be a little shifty, but chances are it's legit. Besides, you said it's 18" long, you're good to go either way!

Cheers.

Tim H

 

[tabs4u]

Thanks for the info I also called the CFC to verified and they explained its registered as non-restricted with a barrel less than 470 mm and the barrel lenght registered as 18 " . so I am good to go.