How to measure the overall length of a revolver

To get the correct holster model fit, you need to know the barrel length of your gun.

Why is it important to know the barrel length of my FIREARM?

To get the correct holster model fit, you need to know the barrel length of your gun. It’s important to know that even on the same compact handgun, such as the M&P 2.0 9mm, its possible to have a couple of different barrel lengths.

One reason to check the barrel length is that some holsters have closed bottoms, and if the length of the barrel is not measured correctly it won’t fit the holster.

For light-bearing holsters, most use a muzzle plug for stability and retention issues (e.g. duty holsters with and without a light). Without the stability of the muzzle plug, the holster will not have retention, either with or without the light. The muzzle plug fits to specific barrel lengths, and will not work with threaded barrels under the standard manufacturer’s barrel length. Further, if the holster/gun fit is not correct, the barrel will not fit up to the plug, or it will not fit in the holster at all if the plug is too tall.

A third reason to know the gun’s measurements is that ALS levers are designed to fit the different barrel lengths.  For example, a 4.25” M&P may not use the same ALS lever as a 5” M&P model, depending on the version/caliber/etc.

HOW TO MEASURE BARREL LENGTH

Start of PISTOL tab

How to measure the overall length of a revolver

PISTOL

Pistol barrel length is measured from the back portion of the ejection port to the end of the barrel.

Gun barrel lengths are measured in Imperial standard.

Start of REVOLVER tab

How to measure the overall length of a revolver

REVOLVER

Revolver barrel length is measured from the face of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. Gun barrel lengths are measured in Imperial standard.

Most modern revolver barrels have lugs beneath the barrels. This is an extension that may run the length of the barrel that encloses the ejection rod. Check your model designation at the manufacturer’s website if you have questions about the length of your gun’s barrel or barrel lug as both can affect holster fit.

Start of COMPETITION PISTOL tab

How to measure the overall length of a revolver

COMPETITION PISTOL

Competition pistol barrel length is measured from the back portion of the ejection port to the end of the compensator.

Gun barrel lengths are measured in Imperial standard.

How to measure the overall length of a revolver

To get the correct holster model fit, you need to know the barrel length of your gun.

Behind the Brand

Published on September 16, 2021

To get the correct holster model fit, you need to know the barrel length of your gun. It’s important to know that even on the same compact handgun, such as the M&P 2.0 9mm, it’s possible to have a couple of different barrel lengths. One reason to check the barrel length is that some holsters have closed bottoms, and if the length of the barrel is not measured correctly it won’t fit the holster.

Pistol Barrel Length

Pistol barrel length is measured from the back portion of the ejection port to the end of the barrel. Gun barrel lengths are measured in Imperial standard.

How to measure the overall length of a revolver


Revolver Barrel Length

Revolver barrel length is measured from the face of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. Most modern revolver barrels have lugs beneath the barrels. This is an extension that may run the length of the barrel that encloses the ejection rod. Check your model designation at the manufacturer’s website if you have questions about the length of your gun’s barrel or barrel lug as both can affect holster fit. Gun barrel lengths are measured in Imperial standard.

How to measure the overall length of a revolver

Keep Reading

December 2nd, 2016

The Legal Brief is a feature of TheGuncollective.com that focuses on firearms rules and regulations. In this Legal Brief video, Attorney Adam Kraut explains key State and Federal regulations governing firearms, and explains how to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

This five-minute video explains barrel length rules for rifles and shotguns, and also explains the best (and most fool-proof) methods to measure your barrel. In addition, the video explains how to measure firearm overall length. A rifle or shotgun which is less than 26 inches overall can also be classified as a “Short-barreled” rifle/shotgun subject to the NFA. NOTE: Under federal law “If the rifle or shotgun has a collapsible stock, the overall length is measured with the stock EXTENDED”.

How to measure the overall length of a revolver

Highlights of LEGAL BRIEF Discussion of Barrel Length and Firearm Overall Length

The ATF procedure to measure the length of a barrel is to measure from the closed bolt or breech face to the furthest end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device. ATF considers a muzzle device that has been permanently attached to be part of the barrel and therefore counts towards the length.

How to Measure Barrel Length: Drop [a] dowel or rod into the barrel until it touches the bolt or breech face, which has to be closed. Mark the outside of the rod at the end of the muzzle crown (if you don’t have a permanently attached muzzle device) or at the end of the muzzle device if it is permanently attached. Remove the rod and measure from the mark to the end of the rod. That is your barrel length[.]

Remember, if the barrel length is less than 16 inches, it is possible that the firearm could be a short barrel rifle (if you are building a rifle or it is already on a rifle) and if the barrel length is less than 18 inches, it is possible the firearm could be a short barrel shotgun (again if you are building a shotgun or it is already a shotgun). Both of these firearms would be subject to the purview of the National Firearms Act and would require the firearm to be registered accordingly.

How to Measure Overall Length:The overall length of your rifle or shotgun may also classify it as a Short Barrel Rifle or Short Barrel Shotgun. The overall length of a firearm is the distance between the muzzle of the barrel and the rearmost portion of the weapon measured on a line parallel to the axis of the bore. … If the rifle has a permanently attached muzzle device, that is part of the overall length. … If the rifle or shotgun has a collapsible stock, the overall length is measured with the stock extended.

READ FULL ARTICLE on Ammoland.com.

Links for this episode:

ATF Method for Measuring Barrel Length and Overall Length:
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/atf-national-firearms-act-handbook-chapter-2/download
Firearm – 26 USC § 5845: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/5845
Firearm – 27 CFR § 479.11: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/27/479.11
Short Barrel Rifle – 18 USC § 921(a)(8): https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/921
Short Barrel Rifle – 27 CFR § 478.11: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/27/478.11
Short Barrel Shotgun – 18 USC § 921(a)(6): https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/921
Short Barrel Shotgun – 27 CFR § 478.11: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/27/478.11

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Tags: Adam Kraut, ATF, Attorney, Barrel Length, Firearms Act, NFA, SBR, Short Barrel Rifle, The Legal Brief

How are revolvers measured?

Revolver barrel length is measured from the face of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. Most modern revolver barrels have lugs beneath the barrels. This is an extension that may run the length of the barrel that encloses the ejection rod.

What is the length of a revolver?

The Relationship Between Barrel Length and Handgun Size Full-size handguns feature relatively large frames and barrels ranging in length between 4” and 5” for semi-automatic pistols and between 4” and 6” for revolvers. Full-sizes are typically chambered in potent but controllable calibers, such as 9mm, . 38 Special, .

Does barrel length include chamber?

2.1 When measuring the barrel of a firearm that has an integral chamber, the distance parallel to the bore axis from the muzzle end to the breech face (with the action closed) represents the length of a barrel. All measurements are made perpendicular to the bore axis at the farthest point of the barrel.

What is the overall length of a rifle?

2.1. A weapon made from a rifle is a rifle type weapon that has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.