How to Measure Handgun Barrel Length

As I have tried to find that comfortable holster for my handgun and me, I have had to try and figure out the handgun’s barrel length. Although this may seem like a basic thing, as new a gun owner the first thing I learned is that the revolver and the semi-auto are measured differently. 

REVOLVERS

Revolvers are the easiest to measure. You measure them from the front face of the cylinder to the very end of the barrel.  The front face of the cylinder, which is just behind the crane or the frame of the gun, is where the revolver barrel actually starts. The cylinder itself is not included in the length of the revolver barrel. 

SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOLS

Measuring the barrel of a semi-auto pistol is a little harder to figure out. The chamber (that part of the inside of the barrel of a gun, at the breech, formed to accept the cartridge) is included when measuring the length of pistol since the barrel and chamber are usually one piece.   So look at the barrel and see where it actually ends (usually the chamber, where the bullet is ejected), or measure it when the barrel is out of the gun for cleaning and that will give you the most accurate measurement. For a visual illustration see the pictures. 

If you have questions or issues you would like Crystal Pistols to address you can email her at crystalpistols@nonameoutdoors.com.
 
If you want to see handgun reviews done by Crystal Pistols search for her at No Name Outdoors Gear Reviews or see all of her work by clicking on the Crystal Pistols’s blog link at end of this post.