Barrel Length Measurement

**Skip Smith** · March 3rd, 2009, 10:46 PM

I have been looking at handguns (I am more of a rifle/shotgun guy) and it seems the system for measuring barrel length is different for auto's than revolvers.

They seem to measure the chamber in the reported barrel length for auto's just like they do for rifles and shotguns - but for revolvers they seem to ignore the chamber.

This makes no sense to me. Is there a reason that I am missing that would explain this glaring difference ?

thanks

**Bearhands** · March 3rd, 2009, 11:58 PM

well, the chamber is not the barrel on a revolver..

a revolvers barrel is measured from the (muzzle) end to the face of the forcing cone where it comes thru the frame if I recall correctly.

I hope I explained that effectively for you?

**mauser** · March 4th, 2009, 02:16 AM

If my understanding is correct, because the chamber is an integral part of the barrel on a rifle, single shot pistol, or semi-auto pistol, it's included in the barrel length measurement.
On a revolver the chamber is separate from the barrel and therefore not included in the measurement.
The barrel is just the tube attached to the receiver, that's what is being measured whether there's a chamber cut into it or not.
If there's more to it than that I know someone will step up and correct me.

**Xringshooter** · March 4th, 2009, 08:12 AM

The chamber is included in the measurement of the barrel length. The BATFE defines it this way:

"For purposes of this definition, the length of the barrel having an integral chamber(s) on a shotgun or rifle shall be determined by measuring the distance between the muzzle and the face of the bolt, breech, or breech block when closed and when the shotgun or rifle is cocked."

Most handguns do not have an integral chamber (other that single shots) But the BATFE doesn't address that from what I could see.

And for the overall length:

"The overall length of a weapon made from a shotgun or rifle is the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore."

**Skip Smith** · March 4th, 2009, 06:01 PM

thanks. that explains it.

it is a definitional thing from the BATFE

so the length of the case is part of the barrel when it is integral, but when seperate it is ignored in the definition of length

**knight0334** · March 4th, 2009, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by Skip Smith

thanks. that explains it.

it is a definitional thing from the BATFE

so the length of the case is part of the barrel when it is integral, but when seperate it is ignored in the definition of length

Correct.

You dont count the cylinder of a revolving pistol, rifle, or shotgun since it is not an integral part of the barrel.