How do you measure rifle barrel length?

Answer 1

Insure that the rifle is unloaded. The rifle must be cocked, so that the firing pin does not protrude from the bolt face. With the bolt closed, insert a wooden dowel that is close to the bore size into the muzzle, and slide down until it contacts the closed bolt. Mark the dowel at the muzzle, withdraw, and measure distance from mark to end of dowel. This is also the technique used for most other firearms. REVOLVERS are measured differently.